Widespread PM2.5 Levels Threaten Public Health Across the Country

Dust pollution reached dangerous levels in Bangkok and 66 of Thailand’s 76 provinces on Monday morning. Sing Buri experienced the highest PM2.5 concentration at 85.6 micrograms per cubic meter, followed by Nakhon Phanom (83.9), Chai Nat (81.5), Nong Bua Lam Phu (80), and Nakhon Pathom (79.6). The government considers PM2.5 levels above 37.5µg/m³ unsafe for health.

Some provinces reported better air quality. Chiang Rai recorded 37.4µg/m³, Phuket 34.8, and Krabi 19.9, marking it the cleanest.

Bangkok’s air quality dropped to unsafe levels in all 50 districts. Bangkok Yai had the worst reading at 102.3µg/m³. Other highly polluted districts included Thon Buri (100.9), Khlong San (97.1), and Bang Kho Laem (94). Orange-level pollution was noted in remaining districts, ranging from 61.7 to 74.9µg/m³.

Elsewhere, provinces like Chumphon (24.5), Surat Thani (22.7), and Phangnga (21.5) saw good air quality. Most other areas fell into orange or red categories, posing health risks.