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Why do basement car parks in Bangkok tower blocks always stink to high hell?
I won’t name building names, but every time I step into one of these underground car parks in Bangkok, there’s this foul stench I just can’t quite explain. Poor airflow doesn’t help, obviously, and years of engine fluids soaking into the concrete seem to have brewed up some kind of chemical horror. It’s always mixed with that signature whiff of stale, stagnant Bangkok air, the same one that smacks you in the face when you start heading down the steps into the MRT. I don’t know exactly what’s in that car park cocktail. Maybe some sewage gases thrown in for good measure? Whatever it is, it’s absolutely rank. I’m honestly surprised the security staff working underground in those buildings, breathing all those exhaust fumes, don’t just gag and pass out. After just a few minutes in one of those places, I feel like I’m suffocating. The air must be heavy with carbon monoxide and practically starved of oxygen. Grok said this: The foul stench in Bangkok’s underground car parks is a grim mix of environmental and infrastructural issues, intensified by the city’s unique conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely causing it and why it feels so suffocating: Trapped Vehicle Emissions and Fluids: Poor ventilation in these car parks means exhaust fumes—carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter—linger. Leaked engine fluids like oil, gasoline, and coolant seep into the porous concrete, breaking down and releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time. These mix with tire dust and create a persistent chemical stink that’s baked in by Bangkok’s heat. Tropical Humidity and Organic Decay: Bangkok’s humid, tropical climate is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, especially in poorly ventilated underground spaces. Stagnant air traps moisture, which encourages microbial growth on surfaces or in drains. Add in organic matter—food waste, dead rodents, or even plant debris swept in from the street—and you’ve got decomposition adding to the stench. This is likely the “stale Bangkok air” you notice, also present at MRT entrances. Sewage and Drainage Issues: Sewage gases, like hydrogen sulfide (that rotten egg smell), could be leaking from aging or poorly maintained drainage systems. Bangkok’s underground infrastructure, especially in older buildings, often struggles with clogged or inadequate drains, letting gases seep into car parks. Flooding, common in the city, can also back up sewers, worsening the problem. Unique Urban Cocktail: The “signature” underground smell you describe—unlike anything in other countries—might come from this blend of vehicle pollutants, tropical decay, and urban grit, intensified by Bangkok’s dense traffic and aging infrastructure. The city’s chaotic mix of street food, open drains, and constant construction adds particulate matter and odors that settle into enclosed spaces. Air Quality and Health Concerns: The suffocating feeling and worry about security staff are spot-on. Underground car parks with poor airflow can have elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels from trapped vehicle exhaust, reducing oxygen availability. Carbon monoxide (CO) and VOCs further degrade air quality, causing dizziness, nausea, or respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure for workers is a real health risk—studies on similar environments show increased rates of respiratory issues and fatigue. Bangkok’s car parks often lack proper mechanical ventilation systems, and natural airflow is near nonexistent underground, so pollutants just build up. The heat and humidity make it feel even more oppressive, amplifying the sense of suffocation. Why It’s Worse in Bangkok: Compared to other countries, Bangkok’s combination of high humidity, dense urban pollution, and often outdated building systems creates a perfect storm. Many developed countries enforce stricter ventilation standards or use sealed concrete coatings to prevent fluid absorption, which Bangkok’s older buildings often lack. The city’s tropical setting also means odors don’t dissipate as they might in drier or cooler climates. If you’re feeling overwhelmed after a few minutes, it’s likely the combo of low oxygen, high CO2, and irritants like VOCs and particulate matter hitting your system. Security staff might build tolerance or just have no choice but to endure it, but it’s definitely not healthy. Some buildings might skimp on maintenance to cut costs, neglecting air filters or exhaust systems, which makes things worse. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 10 May 2025
Thai-Ghanaian Fraud Gang Arrested for 200 Million Baht Japan Scam Photo: Bangkok Post In a significant crackdown, Thai authorities have arrested six members of a multinational fraud gang, consisting of five Thai nationals and one Ghanaian, for orchestrating a scam that swindled over 200 million baht from a company in Japan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360237-thai-ghanaian-fraud-gang-arrested-for-200-million-baht-japan-scam/ -
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Fears of Unrest in UK as India-Pakistan Tensions Spark London Embassy Protest
The British Hindus and Sikhs will not accept any abuse , they will be out on the streets tooled up and mob handed -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 10 May 2025
Soviet Spacecraft Set to Re-enter Earth: Thailand's Minimal Risk Pictures courtesy of GISTDA Facebook A dormant Soviet spacecraft, Cosmos 482, which has been orbiting Earth since 1972, is expected to re-enter the atmosphere imminently, prompting cautious vigilance from space agencies worldwide. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1360234-soviet-spacecraft-set-to-re-enter-earth-thailands-minimal-risk/ -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 9 May 2025
to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 10 May 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1360242-thailand-live-saturday-10-may-2025/
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