Thailand faces worsening air quality crisis, health warnings issued

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

by Bright Choomanee

Thailand’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 20 provinces reporting pollution levels exceeding health standards. The most severe pollution is found in Pak Kret, with Bangkok also experiencing widespread poor air quality.

 

The air quality is expected to worsen between tomorrow and December 7, prompting health advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks.

 

The Air Pollution Solution Communication Centre reported that the concentration of PM2.5 particles (fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns) has been monitored countrywide. These particles pose significant health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

 

Air quality monitoring over 24 hours revealed PM2.5 levels ranging from 11.3 to 83.1 microgrammes per cubic metre (μg/m³), surpassing the safety threshold of 37.5 μg/m³.

Bangkok and its surrounding areas, including Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram, are among the affected provinces.

In the north, PM2.5 levels ranged from 6.6 to 49.9 μg/m³, impacting air quality in five areas. The northeast recorded levels between 17.0 and 38.2 μg/m³, affecting air quality in one area.

 

The central and western regions reported PM2.5 concentrations from 21.4 to 69.0 μg/m³, mostly impacting health. Eastern regions measured levels from 20.7 to 39.4 μg/m³, affecting two areas, while the south recorded 11.3 to 38.3 μg/m³ in one area.

 

Bangkok and its vicinity experienced PM2.5 levels ranging from 25.8 to 83.1 μg/m³. The highest pollution level in Thailand was recorded in Bang Phut, Pak Kret, and Nonthaburi, at 83.1 μg/m³. Forecasts suggest increasing PM2.5 concentrations from tomorrow to December 7 in Bangkok and its vicinity, necessitating ongoing vigilance in certain areas.

 

The northern region is expected to continue improving, though monitoring is advised in some areas. The northeast is predicted to see rising levels from tomorrow to December 10, requiring caution in certain locations. The eastern region is anticipated to improve significantly from December 4 to 10, and the south is also expected to maintain good air quality.

 

Health officials recommend that the general public remain vigilant about their health by limiting outdoor activities and using protective gear. Those with specific health conditions should also reduce outdoor exposure and consult a doctor if health issues arise, reported KhaoSod.

 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Air4Thai.com and airbkk.com websites and the Air4Thai and AirBKK applications.

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-12-04

 

 

[watchcat]

52 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 20 provinces reporting pollution levels exceeding health standards.

 

But they stil planning to use coal to produce electric in Lampang

[lordgrinz]

Haven't seen any reduction in black smoke spewing buses, trucks, etc here in Bangkok, that would be a start. Plus the burning properties should be easy to police as they are not exactly mobile. Seek out the offenders, confiscate vehicles or farms and sell them off to pay for the medical costs from the pollution.

[Captain Flack]

A troll post has been removed.

 

@bkknirvana this is the Thai news section and not somewhere to post your conspiracy theories.

[DPKANKAN]

Now on Air Visual app

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand’s air quality has significantly deteriorated, with 20 provinces reporting pollution levels exceeding health standards. The most severe pollution is found in Pak Kret, with Bangkok also experiencing widespread poor air quality.

An annual event should we expect any changes.... don't hold your breath..

Or maybe you should

[Thailand]

I am sure the government has it hand and will appoint committees!

[JimHuaHin]

You can add Petchaburi/Prachuap Khiri Khan to the list - current reading in Hua Hin is 123 µg/m³; down from 156 yesterday.
 

[koolkarl]

Is it really worth staying in Thailand?  And you have a bonus with the implementation of CRS.

[jvs]

It happens every year and every year the government is blah blah,nothing really is implemented.

This year very early and one of these years they will need to actually do something about it instead of just blaming others and hoping for the rains to come.

As Lordgrinz said,still a lot of smoke from vehicles and soon the farmers will start burning straw and sugarcane.

Same same every year.

This government is just fighting amongst themselves hoping to be on the right side of whomever will be in power next.

There are no easy answers and some group or another will not be happy with whatever is decided.

Just closing the schools has no real effect on the problem.

 

[jcmj]

Just asked Siri what was the air quality. She said “I am sorry the air quality level is not available in your area. “ 🤣😂 They can’t even lower it with their new calculations. Same every year and nothing but talk about how to fix it. 

[Olmate]

Your blaming who for.Siri,s pis$$ ant response? 

[RichardColeman]

Maybe Thailand should be banned from accepting 10,000,000 more tourists a year and more air pollution until it cleans up its air quality. Nah, didn't think so, the politicians would rather people choked to death if they can get more money

[UWEB]

5 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

You can add Petchaburi/Prachuap Khiri Khan to the list - current reading in Hua Hin is 123 µg/m³; down from 156 yesterday.
 

Yep, today all the Mountains here in Sam Roi Yot complete covered in white dust/smoke. Had to stop working outside, Purifiers running on high speed.

In the evening it cleared up a bit, but then the local Farmer idiots started to burn their trash.

[samtam]

🥱

I'm shocked that there has been no improvement after all the measures implemented in the last 12 months....years....decades.

 

Really shocked.

[Elkski]

Pretty bad air inversion in my local Salt lake valley, UT , the last week and building.  Turned on my cool homemade air purifier and exercise indoors.   

Purpleair.com is my buddies company.  I brought the first sensor to BKK in 2017 but I couldn't find a business who would accept it for free.  Since it needs Internet password they were suspicious.  

[Puccini]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

...Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Air4Thai.com and airbkk.com websites and the Air4Thai and AirBKK applications.

 

I see that Bangkok (if BKK in this instance does not mean Suvarnabhumi airport) now has its separate app for air quality information. I'll have a look at it.

 

[Puccini]

It is comforting to read all the helpful advice from government agencies on how to avoid potential health problems caused by excessive air pollution.

 

It would be even more comforting to be able to read weekly reports about industrial companies being prosecuted and penalised for their non-compliance with existing laws about limiting pollution caused by their smoke stacks. Where can one read such reports?

[Hummin]

Only place in Thailand with clean air at the moment

 

[mania]

17 hours ago, koolkarl said:

Is it really worth staying in Thailand?  And you have a bonus with the implementation of CRS.

 

One has to wonder during these times right? I mean all else aside is this worth it?

[mdr224]

8 minutes ago, mania said:

 

One has to wonder during these times right? I mean all else aside is this worth it?

Less worth it every year but still attractive place to get away from crazy western politics

[Hummin]

1 minute ago, mdr224 said:

Less worth it every year but still attractive place to get away from crazy western politics

And you bring your crazy mindset everywhere you go. 

 

It's a plague, trying to socializing in Thailand, and has been for years. You Need to discuss politics, religion and emigration everywhere you go, with anyone you meet, and in every thread you post.

 

 

 

[BangkokReady]

21 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

Haven't seen any reduction in black smoke spewing buses, trucks, etc here in Bangkok, that would be a start.

 

They don't even seem to be able to get relatively new vehicles to not spew out black smoke, which should be quite easy.

[UWEB]

49 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

They don't even seem to be able to get relatively new vehicles to not spew out black smoke, which should be quite easy.

Lots of low IQ Pick Up Driver changing the Injector Nozzles to burn more Fuel and get the black smoke, they believe it's make them looking cool.

[BangkokReady]

2 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Lots of low IQ Pick Up Driver changing the Injector Nozzles to burn more Fuel and get the black smoke, they believe it's make them looking cool.

 

That's insane.  I figured it was just stupidity from souping up their vehicles.  I had no idea it was deliberate.  🤦‍♂️

 

Whenever I see them tear off down the road, followed by a stream of dirty smoke, they look like children.  Like playing cards in the BMX spokes just to make a noise.  🙄

[novacova]

7 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Lots of low IQ Pick Up Driver changing the Injector Nozzles to burn more Fuel and get the black smoke, they believe it's make them looking cool.

They’re not changing their injectors. They’re remapping the ecu. Talk about low iq…

[Gknrd]

I lived through that mess for a few years. Not worth it .  

[Thailand]

5 hours ago, Hummin said:

Only place in Thailand with clean air at the moment

 

 

https://aqicn.org/city/chiang-mai/

[BangkokReady]

5 hours ago, Hummin said:

Only place in Thailand with clean air at the moment

 

 

Why?

[Puccini]

8 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

 

Why?

 

Why not ?