Major air pollution in Bangkok

[Gaybutton]

Bangkok chokes as PM2.5 turns red in 48 districts, public urged to mask up

by THE NATION

December 1, 2025

* Hazardous PM2.5 air pollution has placed 48 districts in Bangkok into the "red" zone, indicating levels that pose a risk to respiratory health.
* The capital's average PM2.5 level was recorded at 45 µg/m³, exceeding the national safety standard of 37.5 µg/m³.
* Authorities are urging the public to wear PM2.5-rated protective masks when outdoors and to limit strenuous activities due to the poor air quality.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issued a warning on Monday morning (December 1) after its “Check Foon” application recorded hazardous PM2.5 levels nationwide at 6am.

Five provinces were found to be in the red zone, indicating pollution well above safe limits and posing risks to respiratory health, while 41 provinces were in the orange zone, where air quality is beginning to affect vulnerable groups.

In Bangkok, PM2.5 levels exceeded the red threshold in 48 districts, including Nong Khaem, Bang Bon, Bang Khae, Thawi Watthana, Taling Chan, Phasi Charoen, Bang Khun Thian, Chom Thong, Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai.

A three-hour forecast by GISTDA indicates that red and orange levels will persist across many areas this morning.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s air quality information centre reported at 7am that the capital recorded an average PM2.5 level of 45 µg/m³, exceeding the national standard of 37.5 µg/m³.

Districts with highest PM2.5 levels:

Bang Rak – 55.3 µg/m³

Sathon – 54.6 µg/m³

Lat Krabang – 54.6 µg/m³

Nong Khaem – 53 µg/m³

Ratchathewi – 52.4 µg/m³

Pathumwan – 51.9 µg/m³

Taling Chan – 51.4 µg/m³

Khlong Sam Wa – 50.3 µg/m³

Thawi Watthana – 50.3 µg/m³

Bang Kho Laem – 50 µg/m³

Authorities warn that dust levels are expected to rise further, with overall air quality now at a level that may begin to affect public health.

Health recommendations

For the general public, people are advised to wear PM2.5-rated protective masks when going outdoors. They should limit the amount of time spent on strenuous outdoor activities and monitor any unusual symptoms, such as coughing, breathing difficulty or eye irritation.

For vulnerable groups, wearing a PM2.5 protective mask is recommended every time they leave the house. They should avoid strenuous outdoor exercise altogether and follow medical advice closely, seeking immediate medical attention if any symptoms arise.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40059053

[Dodger]

The air quality (PM2.5) in Pattaya is also at "unhealthy" levels today.

Opps...don't want to scare off those tourists...555

I look across the bay before sunrise during my morning walks in Bang Saray and can tell by how clear the lights are across the bay in Jomtien and Pattaya what the air quality is on any given day. I've been testing myself for years by comparing what I'm seeing with my eyes - with the AQI's that are posted on-line...and I've got it down pretty good.

I knew this morning before sunrise that the air quality had worsened over the past few days and had probably reached unhealthy levels (Pattaya and Bang Saray) - and for that reason put my PM2.5 facemask on while enjoying my 5km walk.

[Jun]

58 µg/m³ in my room.
In Pattaya and Jomtien, a selection of readings on IQ Air vary between 56 and 94 µg/m³.

Or 164 µg/m³ on the Songthaew going up the hill out of Jomtien. I wear a mask on that route.

[Gaybutton]

You know how every year the powers-that-be are going to put a stop to the crop burning that causes so much air pollution every year?

Three guesses . . .

And don't make the mistake of thinking the situation is much better in Pattaya. The air pollution is reaching the danger levels in Pattaya too.

[Jun]

And don't make the mistake of thinking the situation is much better in Pattaya. The air pollution is reaching the danger levels in Pattaya too.

You're too optimistic.
The US "safe limit" for PM2.5 is 9 µg/m³ (annual average).
Compared with a reading of 73 µg/m³ in your example. That's way beyond any developed country safe limit.

[Gaybutton]

Current Air Pollution Situation in Bangkok and Pattaya as of December 3rd, 2025

By Adam Judd

December 3, 2025

As of early December 2025, Thailand is once again facing a severe air pollution episode, driven primarily by fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Both Bangkok and the popular tourist city of Pattaya are experiencing hazy skies and unhealthy air quality levels.

Bangkok

According to the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center (updated December 2–3, 2025), air quality across the capital is in the orange zone (“starting to affect health”). As of 7:00 a.m. on December 2, PM2.5 levels exceeded Thailand’s 24-hour standard (37.5 µg/m³) in all 50 districts, with city-wide averages ranging from 40–55 µg/m³. Some roadside stations in areas like Din Daeng, Wang Thonglang, and along Rama IV Road recorded peaks above 70–90 µg/m³. These levels are up to 10 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline (5 µg/m³). Light winds and temperature inversion are trapping pollutants, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration forecasts that poor air quality will persist at least through December 4–5.

Pattaya (Chonburi Province)

The situation in Pattaya is slightly better but still concerning. Real-time data from the Pollution Control Department’s Air4Thai system (as of December 2–3, 2025) show PM2.5 concentrations in central and north Pattaya ranging from 30–48 µg/m³, placing the city in the **yellow to orange** category (moderate to starting to affect health). Beach Road and Second Road areas are seeing the highest readings due to heavy traffic and tourist boats.

Health Impact and Recommendations

Health authorities warn that prolonged exposure can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, eye irritation, and worsening of asthma or heart conditions, especially in children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing illnesses. The Public Health Ministry advises:

– Wearing N95 or equivalent masks outdoors
– Limiting strenuous outdoor activities, especially in the morning and late afternoon
– Using air purifiers indoors
– Monitoring real-time data via the Air4Thai app or website

Government Measures

Bangkok has imposed temporary restrictions on diesel trucks entering the city, increased street cleaning, and is considering remote work policies for government offices and potential school closures if levels remain high. Cloud-seeding operations to induce rain are also under discussion.

For the latest updates, residents and visitors are encouraged to check official sources:

– Bangkok Air Quality: https://aqicn.org/city/bangkok/
– National data: http://air4thai.pcd.go.th/webV3/#/Home

The winter pollution season typically lasts until February–March, so continued vigilance is recommended in both cities.

https://thepattayanews.com/2025/12/03/c ... -3rd-2025/

[Jun]

Google maps has an air pollution layer. Keep this image in mind, when the politicians start trying to incorrectly blame neighbouring countries for the problem.

[Gaybutton]

Red-level smog persists in Bangkok, nearby provinces

Most of Thailand breathing polluted air

December 3, 2025

People in most parts of the country continued to suffer under unsafe levels of air pollution on Wednesday, with red-level smog seriously harmful to health again recorded in Bangkok and 10 nearby provinces.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported at 8am that red levels of particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, (PM2.5) ranged from 78.6 to 91.9 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) of air. The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³.

The highest level was measured in Samut Sakhon province, followed by Nonthaburi (86.2), Bangkok (85.6), Samut Prakan (85.1), Nakhon Pathom (84.7), Rayong (83.8), Chachoengsao (82.6), Chonburi [Pattaya] (81.9), Pathum Thani (81), Samut Songkhram (80.5) and Ratchaburi (78.6).

Orange levels (starting to affect health) of PM2.5 ranging from 38.9 to 72µg/m³ were reported in 30 provinces.

In descending order, they were Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Sing Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaew, Chai Nat, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Chaiyaphum, Phichit, Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Tak, Loei, Sukhothai, Buri Ram and Kamphaeng Phet.

Twenty-three provinces had either good or very good air quality. Most of them were in the North and the South. Their PM2.5 levels ranged from 9.7 to 25µg/m³.

In ascending order, they were Mae Hong Son, Amnat Charoen, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Phrae, Chumphon, Songkhla, Lampang, Bung Kan, Narathiwat, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, Yasothon, Krabi, Phayao, Satun, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phangnga, Nan, Si Sa Ket, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon and Yala.

Moderate air quality with PM2.5 levels between 25.2 and 33.7µg/m³ was detected in Uttaradit, Lamphun, Pattani, Maha Sarakham, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Chiang Rai, Trang, Phuket, Surin, Phatthalung, Ranong, Ubon Ratchathani and Kalasin.

The Meteorological Department said the air would remain stagnant until Thursday next week, but some wind was likely from Thursday to Tuesday next week and should reduce levels of ultrafine dust.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -provinces

[Jun]

The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³.

Firstly, that's about 4 times the US limit and, secondly, the government does nothing about it.
Thirdly, even if the government tried, the law enforcement agencies would probably just collect the tea money.

I've ordered some new PM2.5 filter material. In the meantime, fitting some older stuff in my aircon unit reduced the reading from 56 µg/m³ to 36 µg/m³ in 34 minutes.

[Dodger]

I just returned home after spending the morning at the fitness area at Jomtien Beach followed by a few other stops around town.

To my amazement I only spotted one other person wearing a face mask along the beach and fitness area, and that includes 100 people I saw walking and jogging down the Jomtien footpath. Many of them being seniors like myself.

The same thing at Friendship and both BKK Bank and K-Bank. Not a single person, including the bank tellers, were wearing masks.

The irony (for me) is that well-over half of the people I saw today had their eyes glued on their smartphones while remaining ignorant of the environment around them

Smartphones...Not So Smart People.