Residents in the capital city were left pinching their noses last night after an unpleasant smell permeated several districts of Bangkok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) attributed the smell to a sudden weather shift and ensuing chemical reactions with airborne pollutants.

 

The BMA issued the statement in response to numerous reports from citizens who were disturbed by a pungent, burning scent and a veil of smog that descended upon the city yesterday evening.

 

Pornphrom Vikitsreth, an advisor to the city’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, revealed this information earlier today. He explained that the wind, which typically blows in from the Gulf of Thailand, had altered direction and was now originating from the east. Furthermore, a surge in smog concentrations was identified in neighbouring provinces within the past day.

 

Pornphrom also noted that the recent erratic weather patterns, marked by thunderstorms and elevated air pressure from the northeast of Thailand, contributed to an escalation in dust aggregation. This situation was further exacerbated by high humidity levels, which increased the concentration of PM2.5 pollutants that contain nitrogen and ammonia.

 

e suggested that the haze could have been triggered by gases such as nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide. These gases interact with sunlight and convert into dust, a phenomenon that has been causing issues for several months now. Sulphur dioxide is a byproduct of coal burning, metal-smelting facilities, and oil refineries, while nitrogen oxide is generated during combustion processes. This includes some nitrogen compounds in fuel and primarily a direct combination of atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen in flames.

 

Nitrogen oxide transforms into a more hazardous reddish-brown nitrogen dioxide gas upon contact with the ozone layer, leading to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, Pornphrom further elaborated.

 

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported that as of midnight yesterday, PM2.5 fine dust levels had escalated to hazardous thresholds in 47 Bangkok districts.

 

The highest concentrations were recorded in Don Mueang, with 143.5 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Laksi (143 µg/m³), Bang Sue (139 µg/m³), Chatuchak (128.1 µg/m³), and Phaya Thai (127 µg/m³). Elevated dust levels were also identified in several other provinces within the Central Region, reported Bangkok Post.

 

By Bob Scott

Caption: Picture of a man passing a sign displaying the level of PM2.5 fine dust pollution near City Hall-run Public Health Clinic 23 in the Si Phraya area of Bang Rak district, Bangkok, courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-22

 

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Okay so you know what it is... what the people want to know is what are you going to do about it... 

something positive or wait for the wind to change direction again?

Hard to notice anything over the rotting, fetid stench emanating from the sewer system after this week's massive rainstorms.

 

 

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Residents in the capital city were left pinching their noses last night after an unpleasant smell permeated several districts of Bangkok.

...the effects of this smell on tourism may be worse than those caused by covid if you fail to eliminate the causes.

Be innovative- Use the Royal Rainmaking Airforce to spread cinnamon over the city. 

Most thought it was just a passing politician in his motorcade.

Check the SUV and DM Arrivals for that evening from Guess Where !