Major air pollution in Bangkok

[Dodger]

No matter what they are growing, I think along with that, coming up with something affordable to do with what is left after harvest other than burning it is the solution.

There is nothing left after harvest.

Sugarcane is burnt before - not after the harvest. It's done so to remove the leaves and tops to make it easier to process downstream. All they do after harvest is till the fields and start the fertilizing process again - and around-and-around it goes.

This burning also produces biomass which some of the farmers sell to power plants. Unfortunately, the biomass also cause a lot of air pollution. My late boyfriend Thep's grandmother used to make candy from the biomass.

[Gaybutton]

There is nothing left after harvest.

Whatever. The point is to come up something other than burning it.

[Dodger]

Whatever. The point is to come up something other than burning it.

I totally agree, but that's where the $$money$$ comes in.

Somebody told me once that they have more modern farming up north. Not sure how they can afford the mechanical harvesters, but that seems to be the best solution. My guess is that these farms are probably high-producers tied to the Chinese.

I also remember reading an article last year that I thought was going to be great news for the farmers who are already in debt with the banks and can't afford to buy modern machinery, but not a thing has happened that I'm aware of.

If you're ever up north just look at the cane being carted around in flatbed trucks...they're all over the place, and you'll notice that the cane is green. Now, look at the cane being carted around in central Thailand, including Isaan, and you'll see that the cane is a dark burnt-brown color. Now you know why.

[Gaybutton]

If you're ever up north just look at the cane being carted around in flatbed trucks...they're all over the place

Yes, I've seen that. But is sugar the only crop that gets burnt? What happens to the rice plants once the rice is harvested?
________________________________________________________________________

Dust danger returns as Thailand tightens grip on cane burning and biomass emissions

By Pattaya Mail

December 7, 2025

Thailand is entering its annual haze season, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) expected to rise across several regions between 6–13 December, according to the Pollution Control Department (PCD). Authorities are tightening controls on sugarcane burning and biomass factories to curb worsening air quality.

PCD Director-General Surin Warakitthamrong stated that the Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center is monitoring PM2.5 levels closely as concentrations begin trending upward—particularly in Bangkok and its metropolitan areas, the Northeast, and the East.

Seven-Day Outlook (7–13 Dec 2025):

Bangkok Metropolitan Region: PM2.5 levels expected to increase; some areas may exceed standards.

Northeast & East: Continuous upward trend in dust levels.

North: Expected decline around 9–10 December, though some hotspots remain.

South: Air quality remains generally good.

As of 7:00 AM on 6 December, national air quality remained mostly within acceptable standards. However, several locations in the North—especially Chiang Mai and Sukhothai—recorded PM2.5 levels above the national threshold, with readings up to 58.2 µg/m³.

To mitigate pollution during the year-end and early-year haze period, the department has accelerated measures focused on major emission sources, especially sugarcane mills and biomass power plants. Key actions include:

Limiting burnt sugarcane intake to no more than 15% of total supply

Encouraging mills to purchase 10–30% of sugarcane leaves as biomass fuel

Inspecting air pollution control systems and runoff management

Strict enforcement of EIA compliance

Installing real-time CEMs (Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems) at factories

Promoting CSR activities in partnership with local communities

The department aims to complete inspections of 59 sugar mills and biomass plants nationwide by mid-December to reduce health risks during peak haze season.

Vulnerable groups—including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory conditions—are urged to monitor air quality closely and wear masks if outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Real-time updates are available via:

AirBKK.com
Air4Thai and AirBKK mobile apps
LINE ALERT & Cell Broadcast notifications
PCD social media channels

Story and photos: https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnew ... ons-528653

[Jun]

But is sugar the only crop that gets burnt? What happens to the rice plants once the rice is harvested?

I've seen all sorts of burning, post rice harvest and for land clearance. But presumably pre-harvest burning of sugar cane would be far worse.

Limiting burnt sugarcane intake to no more than 15% of total supply

So no control then? Who does the counting ? And even if they were enforcing this, who gets the 15% quota?

A 0% limit and an immediate shutdown of any plant accepting burnt cane would stand a chance. With regular inspections by the army, since they're overmanned and have nothing else to do.

[Gaybutton]

who gets the 15% quota?

My guess is probably someone who likes plenty of sugar in his tea . . .;

[Dodger]

Yes, I've seen that. But is sugar the only crop that gets burnt? What happens to the rice plants once the rice is harvested?

Most rice farmers burn their fields as well, only it's done after harvest to help prepare the soil for the next planting.

I've watched Jai's family members burning their rice fields many times and there's not anywhere near as much smoke when burning rice because you're only burning the short bottom stubs...not mountains of dead leaves like sugar cane has.

Sugarcane is by far the biggest contributor to air pollution stemming from agriculture.

Crop burning is done once a year and will decline gradually over time with modernization - but only with the support of the government and the banks. Hell, the Thais have been burning their fields since the thirteenth century so it's not like the government hasn't had enough time.

[Gaybutton]

Thais have been burning their fields since the thirteenth century

What did they do in the twelfth century . . . ?

[Dodger]

What did they do in the twelfth century . . . ?

Slash and burn.

Burning crop fields was in practice back when the Khmer/Mon were in charge - way before Thailand became Thailand.

Unfortunately, PM2.5 masks weren't invented until the late-20th century.

[Gaybutton]

Bangkok faces severe air pollution crisis, with Bang Na suffering from high PM2.5 levels

by THE NATION

December 20, 2025

Air pollution in Bangkok has reached hazardous levels, with areas like Bang Na experiencing dangerous PM2.5 concentrations. Health experts advise precautions for the public.

The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre on Saturday morning reported a concerning rise in PM2.5 levels across the city, with many areas exceeding safe limits.

The average PM2.5 concentration for Bangkok is 36.7 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), just below the standard limit of 37.5 µg/m³. However, certain areas are facing dangerously high pollution levels.

The top 12 areas with the highest PM2.5 concentrations are:

Bang Na: 48.1 µg/m³
Prawet: 47.4 µg/m³
Chatuchak: 44.6 µg/m³
Min Buri: 43.6 µg/m³
Bang Rak: 42.9 µg/m³
Nong Kham: 42.7 µg/m³
Sathorn: 42.6 µg/m³
Pathum Wan: 42.2 µg/m³
Khlong Sam Wa: 41.4 µg/m³
Lat Krabang: 41.0 µg/m³
Bang Sue: 40.1 µg/m³
Nong Chok: 40.1 µg/m³

Air Quality by Zone:

North Bangkok: 32.7 – 44.6 µg/m³ (Moderate)
East Bangkok: 25.3 – 47.4 µg/m³ (Health impacts possible)
Central Bangkok: 27.4 – 37.7 µg/m³ (Moderate)
South Bangkok: 28.9 – 48.1 µg/m³ (Health impacts possible)
North Thonburi: 33.3 – 37.5 µg/m³ (Moderate)
South Thonburi: 32.9 – 42.7 µg/m³ (Moderate)

Health Recommendations

For the general public:

Use protective equipment, such as a PM2.5 mask, whenever outside.
Limit time spent on outdoor activities or exercise that requires heavy physical exertion.
Monitor for unusual symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or eye irritation.

For at-risk groups:

Always use a PM2.5 mask when outside.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities and follow medical advice.
Seek medical attention immediately if any unusual symptoms occur.

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... k/40060066