Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

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Dodger
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Dodger »

Jun wrote: Sat Oct 12, 2024 12:56 am So if they don't service cars properly, that turns buying a used car into a higher risk activity,?
In my opinion "Yes" with one exception, and that's if the vehicle being sold is a "one owner" vehicle (as displayed in the title) and that one owner was a farang. I would never consider purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from a Thai. Too risky.
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Jun
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Jun »

Just in case you think Thailand is bad, Delhi currently has an AQI of 1195 and PM2.5 of 674.5 µg/m³

Bangkok has an AQI of 90 and PM2.5 is at 30. But obviously it has been far worse, but nowhere near the current Delhi levels.
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Jun
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Jun »

According to the Bangkok Post, there will be a Clean Air Act in 2025. About time !
I was reading a proper newspaper, so no link.
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Gaybutton »

Jun wrote: Sat Nov 30, 2024 2:19 pm According to the Bangkok Post, there will be a Clean Air Act in 2025.
I can't find anything about this on Bangkok Post's web site. Did the article specify any details about how this will work?

The government already has been talking about starting to charge road fees to relieve traffic congestion in Bangkok.

See: https://www.gaybuttonthai.com/viewtopic.php?t=11722
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Gaybutton »

Air pollution in Pattaya? Wow! What a surprise!
__________________________________________________________________________

Concerns Rise as Annual Air Pollution Season Appears to Begin in Thailand and Pattaya

By Adam Judd

2 December, 2024

In Thailand, air pollution has become an increasingly pressing public health and environmental issue, particularly during the dry season when it peaks around December-February. This problem is notably acute in cities like Pattaya, where the blend of urban development, tourism, and agricultural practices significantly impacts air quality.

Thailand experiences various sources of air pollution, ranging from vehicular emissions in urban areas to the burning of agricultural waste in rural regions. The primary concern in Thailand is the concentration of Particulate Matter (PM2.5), tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 is often associated with health issues such as respiratory infections, heart disease, and strokes. Bangkok, the capital, has historically been one of the most polluted cities in Thailand, but recent data suggests that cities like Chiang Mai can sometimes surpass it due to seasonal agricultural burning.

The Thai government has implemented measures like setting up real-time air quality monitoring stations and promoting public awareness campaigns. However, enforcement of pollution control laws, especially regarding the burning of crops, remains a challenge. Despite these initiatives, air quality indices often hover around “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” particularly in the northern parts during the burning season.

Pattaya, a popular tourist destination, faces its unique set of air pollution issues. The city’s economy thrives on tourism, which brings with it a high volume of vehicular and marine traffic. The thousands of buses, cars, and boats contribute significantly to local air pollution through their emissions. Although Pattaya’s air quality is generally better compared to more industrial or agriculturally intensive areas due to its coastal location, the influx of tourists exacerbates the situation, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, burning of crops in other areas of Chonburi and even Cambodia also affect Pattaya. Factories and Industrial complexes in Rayong and Sri Racha don’t help either.

The air quality in Pattaya has been described as “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on many days, with spikes occurring due to local and regional factors. The presence of a large number of vehicles, including older models with less stringent emission controls, contributes to higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 in the air. Additionally, while tourism brings economic benefits, it also leads to increased construction activities, adding dust and other pollutants to the atmosphere.

Recent years have seen a push for cleaner air in Thailand, with public outcry leading to more aggressive government actions. In Pattaya, there have been calls for better urban planning to mitigate traffic congestion and for stricter regulations on vehicle emissions. The Thai Department of Health, in collaboration with international bodies like the World Health Organization, has been working on grassroots initiatives to educate and engage communities in pollution reduction efforts.

The situation has also prompted residents to take personal action, with many opting for air purifiers and masks to protect against polluted air. The awareness of air quality has grown, with many residents and tourists checking real-time air quality indices before planning outdoor activities.

The battle against air pollution in Thailand and Pattaya is ongoing, with both short-term and long-term strategies being developed. Short-term solutions include emergency measures like traffic restrictions and public health advisories during high pollution days. Long-term, there’s a focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources, enhancing public transportation to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, and stricter environmental regulations.

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/12/02/c ... d-pattaya/
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Jun »

There is a portable air quality monitor on Pattaya beach, near Pattaya Klang.

The PM 2.5 reading was 17.3 when I walked past. There was an onshore breeze, as should be common in the afternoon. Therefore excluding any output from Pattaya traffic. I bet it's worse inland.
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Montree »

I was in Bangkok yesterday and even by Bangkok standards the traffic was horrendous. After sitting in a taxi on a relatively short journey, that hadn't moved for twenty minutes, I abandoned it and walked. My boyfriend, outraged at the suggestion that he should walk anywhere, stayed in the taxi. He arrived at our hotel one hour after me.
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Jun »

Montree wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2024 2:06 pm My boyfriend, outraged at the suggestion that he should walk anywhere, stayed in the taxi. He arrived at our hotel one hour after me.
A typical 21st century Thai :lol:
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Gaybutton »

You might want to consider staying out of Bangkok until the air quality is down to safe levels.

Pattaya's own air quality report for today, January 21:
Poor

The air has reached a high level of pollution and is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Reduce time spent outside if you are feeling symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation.
_________________________________________________

PM2.5 levels exceed safety standards throughout Bangkok

By THE NATION

January 21, 2025

Air quality poor in all areas of Bangkok for the second consecutive day and is unlikely to improve before the weekend

The air quality in all areas of the Bangkok metropolitan area dipped below the safety standard on Tuesday morning, the Air Quality Information Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said.

The centre reported the average PM2.5 levels throughout the city on Tuesday at 58.9 micrograms per cubic metre (mcg), well above the country’s standard of 37.5 mcg over a three-hour average (5am to 7am).

PM2.5 refers to dust particles 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, long-term exposure to which is linked with chronic diseases including lung and heart problems.

Major sources of PM2.5 include traffic emissions, factories, forest fires, and burning of harvest leftovers.

The five districts that reported the highest levels of PM2.5 are Nong Khaem (93.8 mcg), Sai Mai (76.2 mcg), Thawi Watthana (73.6 mcg), Phasi Charoen (71.7 mcg), and Bang Khun Thian (71.5 mcg).

The centre advised Bangkokians to wear facemasks, avoid spending time outdoors and work from home if possible.

The air pollution is predicted to become more severe this week until Friday but should improve on Saturday and Sunday, the centre said.

Air quality can be checked daily on the AirBKK application, www.airbkk.com, Line Alert, as well as the Facebook page of the BMA’s Environment Department.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... k/40045391
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Re: Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Post by Gaybutton »

Folks, now instead of softly suggesting staying out of Bangkok for the time being, the air pollution problem has reached a crisis level and I am telling you in no uncertain terms, please stay away from Bangkok until the problem has subsided and brought under control. The air pollution is bad enough in other areas, including Pattaya, but nowhere near as bad as it has gotten in Bangkok. In Bangkok schools have closed, a "work-at-home" push has begun, free public transportation has been put in place, and other measures are being put in place. I don't really understand the recommendations to remain indoors. It's the same air that's outdoors, isn't it?

If nothing else, at least wear a mask - a good one - but obviously it's better to stay away from Bangkok unless absolutely necessary.
_________________________________________________

PM orders week of free public transport to combat PM2.5

All bus and electric train operators waive fares, government expects compensation to cost B140 million

January 24, 2025

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered free public transport in Bangkok for one week, starting Saturday, in response to worsening air pollution as dust levels have surged across all districts of the capital.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, also a deputy prime minister, said on Friday that the prime minister wanted the ministry and concerned agencies to address the high levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and smaller (PM2.5) in Bangkok.

From Jan 25 to 31, people will be given free services on buses and electric trains, said Mr Suriya. He has coordinated with the operators of Bangkok Transit System Plc (BTS) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company (BEM) to provide free rides for electric train passengers. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has also agreed to offer free bus services for the entire week.

The government will draw up measures to compensate the operators providing free transport during this period. Mr Suriya said a central fund of about 140 million baht will be allocated for the purpose, pending cabinet approval. He expressed confidence that all ministers would support the plan.

The ministry has also set up eight checkpoints in the capital to monitor vehicle emissions. They are in front of Future Park Rangsit, Klong Toey Port, Chatuchak Park, KM 1 on Bang Na Road, Min Buri Waterworks Office on Suwinthawong Road, Bang Khunthian Highway Office on Rama II Road, and along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok and Boromratchonnanee roads, in both inbound and outbound lanes.

“I believe people will use free transport services by more than 20% to 30%,” said Mr Suriya. “If dust levels do not improve by the end of this seven-day period, we will reassess and consider whether to extend the initiative.”

Bangkok on Friday was ranked as the fourth worst city in the world for air quality, according to the latest data from Swiss-based IQAir.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... mbat-pm2-5
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