Bangkok’s city hall has advised residents of 12 neighborhoods whose air quality is negatively impacted by dust to stay indoors.
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), hazardous levels of airborne dust particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) were detected at 12 monitoring stations in the capital city.
The city reported that the PM2.5 levels in 12 locations were higher than the recommended 50 micrograms per cubic meter: Phetkasem 81 in Nong Khaem district; Bang Sue District Office; Odeon Circle in Samphanthawong district; in front of Seacon Square shopping mall in Prawet district; Bang Phlat District Office; in front of Lat Krabang Hospital in Lat Krabang District; at the entrance of Thonburi Market (Sanam Luang)
There is a strategy in place to deal with the haze crisis this year, according to city hall. The city’s Traffic & Transportation Department has committed to providing a 3-day air quality prediction that may be shown on the BMA Traffic app and traffic information signs.
An additional 500 air quality monitoring stations will be installed across the city, bringing the total to 1, and more regular vehicle exhaust testing will be implemented.
The Pollution Control Department’s Air4Thai app and website (air4thai.pcd.go.th) can provide up-to-date information on the air quality in your area, and the Ministry of Public Health recommends using both before heading out.
The app and website will display air quality in color-coded grades, with orange indicating an unsafe number of airborne particles and red indicating highly harmful air quality.
Residents are urged to stay indoors because of the poor air quality. Outside, they should use a face mask if necessary. Nonetheless, during the bad air season, it is strongly advised that no one spend too much time outside without proper protection clothing.
