Harmful smog levels over most of Thailand
Red alerts for Bangkok and 15 provinces
January 26, 2026
Bangkok and 57 provinces of Thailand were shrouded with unsafe levels of ultrafine dust, with seriously harmful red levels in the capital and 15 provinces, on Monday morning.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported at 8am that red levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 75.2 to 93.8 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) of air in Bangkok and 15 provinces.
The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³ in Thailand. There are 76 provinces.
The highest level, 93.8µg/m³, was recorded in the northeastern province of Nong Khai, followed by serious levels in Bangkok and nearby provinces - 93.7 in Samut Songkhram, 91.2 in Samut Sakhon, 86.7 in Pathum Thani, 85.4 in Nonthaburi and 85.3 in Bangkok.
Other provinces blanketed with red levels of ultrafine dust, in descending order, were Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Lop Buri, Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, Ang Thong, Chachoengsao and Suphan Buri.
Orange levels (starting to harm health) of PM2.5 were recorded in 42 provinces, ranging from 38.5 to 73.4µg/m³. In descending order, they were Sing Buri, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi (Pattaya's province), Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kalasin, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ubon Ratchathani, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Surin, Chaiyaphum, Roi Et, Chanthaburi, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Phetchabun, Rayong, Buri Ram, Nakhon Sawan, Trat, Loei, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Pattani, Yala, Mukdahan, Phatthalung, Kamphaeng Phet, Sakon Nakhon, Songkhla, Narathiwat, Tak, Trang, Uttaradit, Bueng Kan and Yasothon.
Ten provinces had moderate air quality with PM2.5 levels from 25.8 to 37.2µg/m³. In descending order, they were Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Phanom, Sukhothai, Phrae, Nan, Lampang, Phayao, Satun, Phangnga and Surat Thani.
Good air quality with PM2.5 levels between 16.6 and 22.8µg/m³ were in seven provinces namely, in descending order, Lamphun, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
Two southern provinces, Ranong and Chumphon, had very good air quality with PM2.5 levels of just 11.4 and 10.6µg/m³ respectively.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... f-thailand
Harmful smog levels over most of Thailand
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Gaybutton
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Re: Harmful smog levels over most of Thailand
Looking across the bay at Jomtien before sunrise this morning told me that the air quality was very unhealthy. I couldn't see a single light on your side of the bay - and even the mountains on my side of the bay were masked behind a thick wall of smog.
I haven't checked the actual air quality index report this morning - but according to the Dodger Air Quality Tester, referred to as E.Y.E.S, it's time to wear a mask.
I haven't checked the actual air quality index report this morning - but according to the Dodger Air Quality Tester, referred to as E.Y.E.S, it's time to wear a mask.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Harmful smog levels over most of Thailand
And, as usual, Thailand cannot or does not do anything substantial about it. In Bangkok they have tried spraying water - three guesses how much good that does. As far as I can tell, throughout the rest of the country people are asked not to burn crops and trash. You get another three guesses.
The only difference I see is each year the problem seems to just get worse and lasts longer.
The only difference I see is each year the problem seems to just get worse and lasts longer.
Re: Harmful smog levels over most of Thailand
I got a reading of around 80 on the balcony last night. Down to about 50~60 this morning.
I'm wearing a mask when outdoors.
Particularly when they pay people to go around with brooms effectively sweeping dust back into the air.
They could start with an effective ban on crop burning.
Then tax diesel more and aim to remove the most polluting 5% of vehicles from the road each year.
Actually, I think this year has been better than last year, so far.
I'm wearing a mask when outdoors.
Spraying water is daft.Gaybutton wrote: ↑Tue Jan 27, 2026 10:41 am And, as usual, Thailand cannot or does not do anything substantial about it. In Bangkok they have tried spraying water - three guesses how much good that does. As far as I can tell, throughout the rest of the country people are asked not to burn crops and trash. You get another three guesses.
The only difference I see is each year the problem seems to just get worse and lasts longer.
Particularly when they pay people to go around with brooms effectively sweeping dust back into the air.
They could start with an effective ban on crop burning.
Then tax diesel more and aim to remove the most polluting 5% of vehicles from the road each year.
Actually, I think this year has been better than last year, so far.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Harmful smog levels over most of Thailand
Red levels of PM2.5 reach three digits in Greater Bangkok
January 27, 2026
Seriously harmful levels of ultrafine dust, three times the safe limit, were reported in Greater Bangkok on Tuesday morning, while most of Thailand was blanketed with unsafe smog.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported at 8am that red levels (seriously harmful to health) of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 78.8 to 116.4 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) of air in Bangkok and 19 provinces.
The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³ in Thailand. There are 76 provinces.
The highest level, 116.4µg/m³, was recorded in Samut Sakhon west of Bangkok, followed by 108.9 in Samut Songkhram, 104.7 in Bangkok, 102.8 in Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan and 101.4 in Nakhon Pathom.
Other provinces covered with red levels of PM2.5 were, in descending order, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Sing Buri, Saraburi, Chachoengsao, Suphan Buri, Ang Thong, Rayong, Lop Buri, Kanchanaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Orange levels (starting to harm health) of PM2.5 were recorded in 24 provinces, ranging from 37.6 to 74.9µg/m³. In descending order, they were Prachin Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Trat, Phetchabun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Chaiyaphum, Tak, Loei, Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, Sukhothai, Bueng Kan, Uttaradit, Nong Khai, Maha Sarakham and Nong Bua Lam Phu.
Twelve provinces had moderate air quality with PM2.5 levels from 25.7 to 37µg/m³. In descending order, they were Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Si Sa Ket, Nan, Phrae, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Pattani, Lampang and Phatthalung.
Good air quality with PM2.5 levels between 15.5 and 24.9µg/m³ were in 19 provinces namely, in descending order, Phayao, Songkhla, Trang, Phuket, Lamphun, Amnat Charoen, Narathiwat, Nakhon Phanom, Yala, Yasothon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Mukdahan, Satun, Surat Thani, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chumphon and Phangnga.
Two provinces, Mae Hong Son and Ranong, had very good air quality with PM2.5 levels of just 15 and 14µg/m³ respectively.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... er-bangkok
January 27, 2026
Seriously harmful levels of ultrafine dust, three times the safe limit, were reported in Greater Bangkok on Tuesday morning, while most of Thailand was blanketed with unsafe smog.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported at 8am that red levels (seriously harmful to health) of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 78.8 to 116.4 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) of air in Bangkok and 19 provinces.
The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³ in Thailand. There are 76 provinces.
The highest level, 116.4µg/m³, was recorded in Samut Sakhon west of Bangkok, followed by 108.9 in Samut Songkhram, 104.7 in Bangkok, 102.8 in Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan and 101.4 in Nakhon Pathom.
Other provinces covered with red levels of PM2.5 were, in descending order, Pathum Thani, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Sing Buri, Saraburi, Chachoengsao, Suphan Buri, Ang Thong, Rayong, Lop Buri, Kanchanaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Orange levels (starting to harm health) of PM2.5 were recorded in 24 provinces, ranging from 37.6 to 74.9µg/m³. In descending order, they were Prachin Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Trat, Phetchabun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Chaiyaphum, Tak, Loei, Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, Sukhothai, Bueng Kan, Uttaradit, Nong Khai, Maha Sarakham and Nong Bua Lam Phu.
Twelve provinces had moderate air quality with PM2.5 levels from 25.7 to 37µg/m³. In descending order, they were Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Si Sa Ket, Nan, Phrae, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Pattani, Lampang and Phatthalung.
Good air quality with PM2.5 levels between 15.5 and 24.9µg/m³ were in 19 provinces namely, in descending order, Phayao, Songkhla, Trang, Phuket, Lamphun, Amnat Charoen, Narathiwat, Nakhon Phanom, Yala, Yasothon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Mukdahan, Satun, Surat Thani, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chumphon and Phangnga.
Two provinces, Mae Hong Son and Ranong, had very good air quality with PM2.5 levels of just 15 and 14µg/m³ respectively.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... er-bangkok
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Gaybutton
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Re: Harmful smog levels over most of Thailand
Red levels of PM2.5 cover about one-third of Thailand, including Greater Bangkok
January 28, 2026
Harmful levels (red levels) of ultrafine dust shrouded about one-third of Thailand on Wednesday morning, including Bangkok and nearby provinces.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported at 8am that red levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 75.6 to 142.8 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) of air in Bangkok and 26 provinces. The air pollution was worse than Tuesday morning when red levels covered Bangkok and 19 provinces and the highest level of PM2.5 reached 116.4µg/m³.
The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³ in Thailand. There are 76 provinces.
The highest level on Wednesday morning, 142.8µg/m³, was recorded in Samut Songkhram, followed by 132.9 in Pathum Thani, 122.1 in Bangkok, 121 in Samut Sakhon, 117.8 in Nonthaburi, 107.2 in Sing Buri, 106.7 in Ratchaburi, 106.5 in Nakhon Pathom, 104.6 in Phetchaburi, 104.2 in Ayutthaya, 103.5 in Samut Prakan and 100.6 in Chachoengsao.
In descending order, two-digit red levels were detected in Chonburi (Pattaya's province), Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Saraburi, Rayong, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Chanthaburi and Nakhon Sawan.
Orange levels (starting to harm health) of PM2.5 were recorded in 14 provinces, ranging from 38.8 to 71µg/m³. In descending order, they were Nakhon Ratchasima, Trat, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Chaiyaphum, Tak, Loei, Uttaradit, Buri Ram, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Sukhothai and Khon Kaen.
Eighteen provinces had moderate air quality with PM2.5 levels from 25.2 to 35.4µg/m³. In descending order, they were Nan, Phatthalung, Yala, Songkhla, Pattani, Trang, Narathiwat, Satun, Phuket, Krabi, Surin, Udon Thani, Phrae, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani, Phayao and Lampang.
Good air quality with PM2.5 levels between 15.1 and 24µg/m³ were in 14 provinces. In descending order, Lamphun, Si Sa Ket, Phangnga, Maha Sarakham, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Sakon Nakhon, Bueng Kan, Ranong, Kalasin, Chiang Rai, Roi Et, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
Four provinces – Yasothon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen and Nakhon Phanom – had very good air quality with PM2.5 levels of 11.1 to 13.3µg/m³.
The Pollution Control Department said thick smog would worsen from Thursday to Monday next week in all regions except the South where air quality would remain good.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... er-bangkok
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Urgent: PM2.5 set to worsen in Bangkok tonight as winds carry smoke from Nakhon Nayok
by THE NATION
January 28, 2026
TMD warns a large smoke-and-haze mass from Nakhon Nayok is drifting into Bangkok, with stagnant air likely to push PM2.5 higher tonight
Bangkok residents have been warned that PM2.5 levels could rise sharply tonight, as surface winds push a large smoke-and-haze mass from Nakhon Nayok into the capital, adding to an ongoing air-pollution episode.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said it has detected a large concentration of smoke and haze over Nakhon Nayok that is moving towards eastern Bangkok. With Bangkok experiencing stagnant, “closed” atmospheric conditions, pollution is expected to disperse poorly, increasing the likelihood that PM2.5 will build up quickly during the night.
Why pollution is expected to intensify
Based on the latest satellite imagery dated 28 January 2026, multiple hotspots were detected in Nakhon Nayok. TMD and related reports said surface winds are carrying the resulting smoke directly towards Bangkok, with three key factors driving the increase:
* Wind direction: pollution is being transported from the east towards the city centre.
* Stagnant air: limited ventilation is trapping pollution closer to the ground, allowing it to accumulate.
* Peak window: the worst levels are expected from evening through the early hours.
What residents should do
TMD and related agencies advised residents to:
* Avoid outdoor activities, including exercise or outdoor work, where possible.
* Wear a suitable mask (such as an N95 or an equivalent PM2.5-rated mask) if going outdoors is unavoidable.
* Close doors and windows to reduce indoor infiltration of dust and smoke.
* Take extra care with vulnerable groups, including children, older people, pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... k/40061822
January 28, 2026
Harmful levels (red levels) of ultrafine dust shrouded about one-third of Thailand on Wednesday morning, including Bangkok and nearby provinces.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported at 8am that red levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 75.6 to 142.8 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) of air in Bangkok and 26 provinces. The air pollution was worse than Tuesday morning when red levels covered Bangkok and 19 provinces and the highest level of PM2.5 reached 116.4µg/m³.
The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5µg/m³ in Thailand. There are 76 provinces.
The highest level on Wednesday morning, 142.8µg/m³, was recorded in Samut Songkhram, followed by 132.9 in Pathum Thani, 122.1 in Bangkok, 121 in Samut Sakhon, 117.8 in Nonthaburi, 107.2 in Sing Buri, 106.7 in Ratchaburi, 106.5 in Nakhon Pathom, 104.6 in Phetchaburi, 104.2 in Ayutthaya, 103.5 in Samut Prakan and 100.6 in Chachoengsao.
In descending order, two-digit red levels were detected in Chonburi (Pattaya's province), Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Saraburi, Rayong, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Chanthaburi and Nakhon Sawan.
Orange levels (starting to harm health) of PM2.5 were recorded in 14 provinces, ranging from 38.8 to 71µg/m³. In descending order, they were Nakhon Ratchasima, Trat, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Chaiyaphum, Tak, Loei, Uttaradit, Buri Ram, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Sukhothai and Khon Kaen.
Eighteen provinces had moderate air quality with PM2.5 levels from 25.2 to 35.4µg/m³. In descending order, they were Nan, Phatthalung, Yala, Songkhla, Pattani, Trang, Narathiwat, Satun, Phuket, Krabi, Surin, Udon Thani, Phrae, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani, Phayao and Lampang.
Good air quality with PM2.5 levels between 15.1 and 24µg/m³ were in 14 provinces. In descending order, Lamphun, Si Sa Ket, Phangnga, Maha Sarakham, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Sakon Nakhon, Bueng Kan, Ranong, Kalasin, Chiang Rai, Roi Et, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
Four provinces – Yasothon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen and Nakhon Phanom – had very good air quality with PM2.5 levels of 11.1 to 13.3µg/m³.
The Pollution Control Department said thick smog would worsen from Thursday to Monday next week in all regions except the South where air quality would remain good.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... er-bangkok
____________________________________________________________________________
Urgent: PM2.5 set to worsen in Bangkok tonight as winds carry smoke from Nakhon Nayok
by THE NATION
January 28, 2026
TMD warns a large smoke-and-haze mass from Nakhon Nayok is drifting into Bangkok, with stagnant air likely to push PM2.5 higher tonight
Bangkok residents have been warned that PM2.5 levels could rise sharply tonight, as surface winds push a large smoke-and-haze mass from Nakhon Nayok into the capital, adding to an ongoing air-pollution episode.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said it has detected a large concentration of smoke and haze over Nakhon Nayok that is moving towards eastern Bangkok. With Bangkok experiencing stagnant, “closed” atmospheric conditions, pollution is expected to disperse poorly, increasing the likelihood that PM2.5 will build up quickly during the night.
Why pollution is expected to intensify
Based on the latest satellite imagery dated 28 January 2026, multiple hotspots were detected in Nakhon Nayok. TMD and related reports said surface winds are carrying the resulting smoke directly towards Bangkok, with three key factors driving the increase:
* Wind direction: pollution is being transported from the east towards the city centre.
* Stagnant air: limited ventilation is trapping pollution closer to the ground, allowing it to accumulate.
* Peak window: the worst levels are expected from evening through the early hours.
What residents should do
TMD and related agencies advised residents to:
* Avoid outdoor activities, including exercise or outdoor work, where possible.
* Wear a suitable mask (such as an N95 or an equivalent PM2.5-rated mask) if going outdoors is unavoidable.
* Close doors and windows to reduce indoor infiltration of dust and smoke.
* Take extra care with vulnerable groups, including children, older people, pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... k/40061822
Re: Harmful smog levels over most of Thailand
The PM2.5 reading was under 20 in Jomtien yesterday evening, but it's already much higher today.
As for the advice to stay indoors, that's not always particularly good advice.
Unless you're adding or reducing pollution, in time, your indoor pollution will be the same as outdoors.
Being indoors just introduces a time lag, on the way up and on the way down.
Filtration will improve matters.
On the other hand, aggressive frying of foods in the kitchen can make indoor pollution worse than outdoors. Then you get to eat the acrylamides as well.
As for the advice to stay indoors, that's not always particularly good advice.
Unless you're adding or reducing pollution, in time, your indoor pollution will be the same as outdoors.
Being indoors just introduces a time lag, on the way up and on the way down.
Filtration will improve matters.
On the other hand, aggressive frying of foods in the kitchen can make indoor pollution worse than outdoors. Then you get to eat the acrylamides as well.