Bangkok Faces Rising PM2.5 Levels Amid Poor Air Circulation
By Goongnang Suksawat
20 November, 2023
Bangkok is currently grappling with a surge in PM2.5 dust levels, attributed to poor air circulation. According to the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center, the Thai Meteorological Department, and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, the city is set to experience varying levels of air quality over the next week.
Starting today (Nov 20), several areas in Bangkok are expected to have moderate PM2.5 levels. However, from November 21 to November 23, the situation is predicted to worsen, particularly affecting eastern and southern Bangkok, potentially impacting health. On November 24, the areas of concern will shift to include northern Bangkok.
Improvements are expected by November 25, but eastern and northern Bangkok will continue to be under close observation. The week concludes on November 26, with a moderate dust situation in eastern and southern Bangkok. Relevant units have since been tasked with intensifying efforts to combat the PM2.5 issue and lessen its impact on public health.
Residents are advised to stay informed about the air quality by using resources such as the AirBKK application, available on iOS and Android, visiting www.airbkk.com, or following various Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Facebook pages and LINE channels. The public is encouraged to report pollution sources through the Traffy Fondue application, a complaint reporting and management system operated by the Bangkok Municipality Administration.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/11/20/b ... rculation/
Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
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Re: Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
On December 11 it is once again announced that there are serious air pollution levels in Bangkok and many northern provinces including Chiang Mai. The problem is expected to last a week or more. People in those provinces are being advised to curtain outdoor activity as much as possible.
Pattaya, Ko Samui, and Phuket are not on the pollution danger list.
Pattaya is currently listed as "moderate", which still sux.
Pattaya: Moderate 86 US AQItrend PM2.5
Pattaya, Ko Samui, and Phuket are not on the pollution danger list.
Pattaya is currently listed as "moderate", which still sux.
Pattaya: Moderate 86 US AQItrend PM2.5
Re: Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
The Thai government won't fix air pollution any time soon.
So the choices are live with it, or buy a PM2.5 filter for your residence.
I managed to fit a PM2.5 filter sheet to the aircon of my longest term hotel for the last holiday. And it worked. This wasn't feasible at most short stay hotels.
So the choices are live with it, or buy a PM2.5 filter for your residence.
I managed to fit a PM2.5 filter sheet to the aircon of my longest term hotel for the last holiday. And it worked. This wasn't feasible at most short stay hotels.
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Re: Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
Chonburi province is on the current list. That means Pattaya.
Much of it is caused by crop burning despite years of trying to get farmers to stop doing that. Obviously those efforts have not worked. Thailand's new Prime Minister wants a serious effort to bring this air pollution under control, but I have not yet seen any details about how he intends to do it. Whatever they do, I hope it works.
____________________________________
33 provinces still blanketed by thick smog
December 13, 2023
Dangerous levels of ultrafine dust covered 33 of the 77 provinces on Wednesday morning, an improvement on 47 provinces on Tuesday morning, and the peak pollution level was also down.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported at 9am on Wednesday that red levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5) covered five provinces in the Central Plains, compared with 15 provinces on Tuesday morning.
The seriously harmful (red-code) levels ranged from 75.7 to 95.2 microgrammes per cubic metre of air over the past 24 hours, down from 78.6-134.8µg/m³ on Tuesday. The government’s safe threshold is 37.5µg/m³.
On Wednesday morning the highest PM2.5 level, 95.2µg/m³, was recorded in Samut Sakhon province, followed by 86.3 in Nakhon Pathom, 83.1 in Rayong, 75.8 in Bangkok and 75.7 in Samut Prakan.
Twenty-eight other provinces in the Central Plains were blanketed with orange levels of PM2.5 ranging from 37.7 to 71.9µg/m³, meaning the levels of PM2.5 had started to affect health.
They were, in ascending order of PM2.5 levels, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phichit, Sa Kaeo, Nan, Kamphaeng Phet, Lop Buri, Lamphun, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, Phetchabun, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, Tak, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, Sukhothai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Songkhram, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Chachoengsao, Phetchaburi, Pathum Thani, Ratchaburi, Chon Buri and Nonthaburi.
Forty-four provinces were within safe levels, most in the North, South and Northeast.
The lowest level of PM2.5, at 9.0µg/m³, was reported in the northeastern province of Yasothon, followed by 9.7 in Amnat Charoen, 12.3 in Si Sa Ket and 13.2 in Surin which are also in the Northeast.
Pansak Thiramongkol, director for air and noise quality management at the Pollution Control Department, told Thai PBS TV on Wednesday morning that the high levels of PM2.5 in the Central Plains resulted mainly from burning of harvest waste in paddy fields, to prepare for the next crop.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... thick-smog
Much of it is caused by crop burning despite years of trying to get farmers to stop doing that. Obviously those efforts have not worked. Thailand's new Prime Minister wants a serious effort to bring this air pollution under control, but I have not yet seen any details about how he intends to do it. Whatever they do, I hope it works.
____________________________________
33 provinces still blanketed by thick smog
December 13, 2023
Dangerous levels of ultrafine dust covered 33 of the 77 provinces on Wednesday morning, an improvement on 47 provinces on Tuesday morning, and the peak pollution level was also down.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported at 9am on Wednesday that red levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5) covered five provinces in the Central Plains, compared with 15 provinces on Tuesday morning.
The seriously harmful (red-code) levels ranged from 75.7 to 95.2 microgrammes per cubic metre of air over the past 24 hours, down from 78.6-134.8µg/m³ on Tuesday. The government’s safe threshold is 37.5µg/m³.
On Wednesday morning the highest PM2.5 level, 95.2µg/m³, was recorded in Samut Sakhon province, followed by 86.3 in Nakhon Pathom, 83.1 in Rayong, 75.8 in Bangkok and 75.7 in Samut Prakan.
Twenty-eight other provinces in the Central Plains were blanketed with orange levels of PM2.5 ranging from 37.7 to 71.9µg/m³, meaning the levels of PM2.5 had started to affect health.
They were, in ascending order of PM2.5 levels, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phichit, Sa Kaeo, Nan, Kamphaeng Phet, Lop Buri, Lamphun, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, Phetchabun, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, Tak, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, Sukhothai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Songkhram, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Chachoengsao, Phetchaburi, Pathum Thani, Ratchaburi, Chon Buri and Nonthaburi.
Forty-four provinces were within safe levels, most in the North, South and Northeast.
The lowest level of PM2.5, at 9.0µg/m³, was reported in the northeastern province of Yasothon, followed by 9.7 in Amnat Charoen, 12.3 in Si Sa Ket and 13.2 in Surin which are also in the Northeast.
Pansak Thiramongkol, director for air and noise quality management at the Pollution Control Department, told Thai PBS TV on Wednesday morning that the high levels of PM2.5 in the Central Plains resulted mainly from burning of harvest waste in paddy fields, to prepare for the next crop.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... thick-smog
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Re: Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
Thai Government Unveils Ambitious Measures to Tackle PM 2.5 Crisis in 2024
By Kittisak Phalaharn
21 December, 2023
At 1:30 PM, on December 19th, 2023, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, publicly revealed after the cabinet meeting that the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment proposed measures to solve the problem of PM 2.5 in 2024.
According to a report by the Government spokesman, the ongoing PM 2.5 smoke problems have become intense at an alarming rate as Thailand faces the El Niño phenomenon, and smoke from wildfires, traffic, and industrial factories.
Therefore, the measures to solve the problem of PM 2.5 were proposed as a national interest, especially in 17 provinces in north Thailand, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, said the Government spokesman.
Furthermore, for alert areas such as protected forests, national forest reserves, and agricultural areas with records of repetitive man-made burning, the law would be amended and improved to solve obstacles with cooperation from the private sector to reduce costs. The Thai government would raise up issues and present the measures from the ASEAN level to the bilateral level, said the Government spokesman.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI) would be appointed to the Governors of 17 northern provinces by reducing the burning in protected forests, national forest reserves, and agricultural areas by 50% and other provinces by 20%. Meanwhile, the KPI for toxic smoke level aims to reduce it by 40% in northern provinces and 20% in Bangkok. The KPI for the number of days when smoke particles exceeds the Thai safe standard aims to be reduced by 30% in northern provinces and 5% in Bangkok, remarked the Government spokesman.
Additionally, other measures are being considered such as implementing operations centers to inspect the burning activities without permission, and measures to encourage the private sector as an incentive to have special tax privileges and interest subsidies, concluded the Government spokesman.
https://tpnnational.com/2023/12/21/thai ... s-in-2024/
By Kittisak Phalaharn
21 December, 2023
At 1:30 PM, on December 19th, 2023, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, publicly revealed after the cabinet meeting that the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment proposed measures to solve the problem of PM 2.5 in 2024.
According to a report by the Government spokesman, the ongoing PM 2.5 smoke problems have become intense at an alarming rate as Thailand faces the El Niño phenomenon, and smoke from wildfires, traffic, and industrial factories.
Therefore, the measures to solve the problem of PM 2.5 were proposed as a national interest, especially in 17 provinces in north Thailand, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, said the Government spokesman.
Furthermore, for alert areas such as protected forests, national forest reserves, and agricultural areas with records of repetitive man-made burning, the law would be amended and improved to solve obstacles with cooperation from the private sector to reduce costs. The Thai government would raise up issues and present the measures from the ASEAN level to the bilateral level, said the Government spokesman.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI) would be appointed to the Governors of 17 northern provinces by reducing the burning in protected forests, national forest reserves, and agricultural areas by 50% and other provinces by 20%. Meanwhile, the KPI for toxic smoke level aims to reduce it by 40% in northern provinces and 20% in Bangkok. The KPI for the number of days when smoke particles exceeds the Thai safe standard aims to be reduced by 30% in northern provinces and 5% in Bangkok, remarked the Government spokesman.
Additionally, other measures are being considered such as implementing operations centers to inspect the burning activities without permission, and measures to encourage the private sector as an incentive to have special tax privileges and interest subsidies, concluded the Government spokesman.
https://tpnnational.com/2023/12/21/thai ... s-in-2024/
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Re: Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
Thai Hospitals Alerted for Air Pollution Health Crisis
By Goongnang Suksawat
25 December, 2023
Public hospitals across Thailand have been instructed to prepare for an anticipated increase in respiratory problems, with air pollution levels expected to rise in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Public Health issued the directive in response to a surge in ultra-fine PM2.5 particle levels in several areas of Bangkok, including Lat Krabang, Thon Buri, Bang Na, and others, where concentrations exceeded 37.5 microgrammes per cubic meter on Sunday (Dec 24).
Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr Opas Karnkawinpong said a high-pressure system from China is expected to cause pollutants to accumulate over Greater Bangkok, the Central Plains, the North, and the Northeast. Provinces likely to be affected include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and others.
Hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health are being asked to prepare for increased patient admissions due to air pollution-related health issues. The ministry is accelerating the deployment of telemedicine services to assist vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers. Air pollution is known to cause respiratory diseases, heart and vascular issues, conjunctivitis, and skin problems.
The ministry has also set up Public Health Emergency Operations Centers in Phitsanulok, Nonthaburi, Sing Buri, and Samut Sakhon to enhance healthcare access during this period. These measures aim to mitigate the health impact of deteriorating air quality in the country.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/12/25/h ... th-crisis/
By Goongnang Suksawat
25 December, 2023
Public hospitals across Thailand have been instructed to prepare for an anticipated increase in respiratory problems, with air pollution levels expected to rise in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Public Health issued the directive in response to a surge in ultra-fine PM2.5 particle levels in several areas of Bangkok, including Lat Krabang, Thon Buri, Bang Na, and others, where concentrations exceeded 37.5 microgrammes per cubic meter on Sunday (Dec 24).
Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr Opas Karnkawinpong said a high-pressure system from China is expected to cause pollutants to accumulate over Greater Bangkok, the Central Plains, the North, and the Northeast. Provinces likely to be affected include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and others.
Hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health are being asked to prepare for increased patient admissions due to air pollution-related health issues. The ministry is accelerating the deployment of telemedicine services to assist vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers. Air pollution is known to cause respiratory diseases, heart and vascular issues, conjunctivitis, and skin problems.
The ministry has also set up Public Health Emergency Operations Centers in Phitsanulok, Nonthaburi, Sing Buri, and Samut Sakhon to enhance healthcare access during this period. These measures aim to mitigate the health impact of deteriorating air quality in the country.
https://thepattayanews.com/2023/12/25/h ... th-crisis/
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Re: Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
Now it's getting even worse. It looks like no matter where you go in Thailand, you're going to be hit with at least some of it.
They are recommending people, especially those with respiratory problem and the elderly, to remain indoors. I have never understood what good that is supposed to do. It's still the same air isn't it?
________________________
Smog worse, and spreading
by Apinya Wipatayotin
Thick smog covers Bangkok on Tuesday morning. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
January 9, 2024
Forty-eight of the 77 provinces were blanketed in unsafe levels of ultra-fine dust on Tuesday morning, 21 of them reporting red-level air pollution.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) at 9am reported red levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5), ranging from 75.9 to 145.2 microgrammes per cubic metre of air, over the previous 24 hours.
On Monday morning hazardous levels of PM2.5 were between 38.1 and 112.3µg/m³ in 41 provinces. The safe threshold set by the government is 37.5µg/m³.
On Tuesday, the smog had expanded to cover 48 provinces.
The 21 red-zoned provinces where air pollution was a serious threat to health were, in descending order - Samut Sakhon (145.2µg/m³), Samut Songkhram (135.7µg/m³), Nakhon Pathom (120.1µg/m³), Nonthaburi (116.3), Bangkok (111.8), Ang Thong 104.4), Samut Prakan (103.4), Pathum Thani (102.5), Ratchaburi (101.4), Lop Buri (98.0), Sing Buri (96.7), Ayutthaya, 94.7), Chai Nat (94.3), Saraburi (94.1), Phetchaburi (93.0), Suphan Buri (90.8), Kanchanaburi (83.2), Chachoengsao (81.7), Uthai Thani (80.7), Prachin Buri (77.9) and Nakhon Sawan (75.9).
Twenty-seven provinces reported orange levels of PM2.5, meaning an initial degree of health harm.
They were Chonburi (Pattaya's province), Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Tak, Sukhothai, Chanthaburi, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Maha Sarakham, Nong Bua Lamphu, Kalasin, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, Trat, Surin, Phrae, Loei and Roi Et.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -spreading
They are recommending people, especially those with respiratory problem and the elderly, to remain indoors. I have never understood what good that is supposed to do. It's still the same air isn't it?
________________________
Smog worse, and spreading
by Apinya Wipatayotin
Thick smog covers Bangkok on Tuesday morning. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
January 9, 2024
Forty-eight of the 77 provinces were blanketed in unsafe levels of ultra-fine dust on Tuesday morning, 21 of them reporting red-level air pollution.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) at 9am reported red levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5), ranging from 75.9 to 145.2 microgrammes per cubic metre of air, over the previous 24 hours.
On Monday morning hazardous levels of PM2.5 were between 38.1 and 112.3µg/m³ in 41 provinces. The safe threshold set by the government is 37.5µg/m³.
On Tuesday, the smog had expanded to cover 48 provinces.
The 21 red-zoned provinces where air pollution was a serious threat to health were, in descending order - Samut Sakhon (145.2µg/m³), Samut Songkhram (135.7µg/m³), Nakhon Pathom (120.1µg/m³), Nonthaburi (116.3), Bangkok (111.8), Ang Thong 104.4), Samut Prakan (103.4), Pathum Thani (102.5), Ratchaburi (101.4), Lop Buri (98.0), Sing Buri (96.7), Ayutthaya, 94.7), Chai Nat (94.3), Saraburi (94.1), Phetchaburi (93.0), Suphan Buri (90.8), Kanchanaburi (83.2), Chachoengsao (81.7), Uthai Thani (80.7), Prachin Buri (77.9) and Nakhon Sawan (75.9).
Twenty-seven provinces reported orange levels of PM2.5, meaning an initial degree of health harm.
They were Chonburi (Pattaya's province), Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Tak, Sukhothai, Chanthaburi, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Maha Sarakham, Nong Bua Lamphu, Kalasin, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, Trat, Surin, Phrae, Loei and Roi Et.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -spreading
Re: Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
Yes, other than a minor time lag, it's the same air. Unless you have an air filter.
When on holiday in Thailand, I've measured the same PM2.5 readings inside my room and on the balcony.
I think they give the advice just to make people feel better, so it's political advice, rather than useful advice.
If they want to give proper advice, they could suggest people wear FFP2 or FFP3 masks. I suspect nobody cares.
You must have followed the election campaigns more closely than me. Was pollution discussed much by any of the parties?
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Gaybutton
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Re: Serious air pollution in Bangkok - Again
Yes. The new Prime Minister stressed it during his campaign and is still stressing it now. Now all we have to do is wait for the talk to become action. For some strange reason I think we're going to have a long wait.
Every year when this happens, primarily because of crop burning, the powers-that-be promise to put a stop to it. They also promise to enforce vehicle pollution laws. I see no evidence of any of it happening. What I don't understand is why nothing ever seems to happen. Everybody has to breathe this air, including those in a position to put a stop to it. I would think they would want to diligently enforce the law. But wherever you go in Thailand is there anywhere that can boast of good, clean air or is the only thing to boast about is our air isn't as bad as other places?
With all talk and no action, does anyone out there believe January 2025 is going to be any better? - that is if we haven't gassed ourselves to death by then . . .