Expats How Do You Deal With The Toxic Air Pollution in Thailand?

[Orangutan]

Interesting subject as it affects all of us. Besides the online shopping sites, I have not been able to find a retail shop that carries the whole lineup of Xiaomi models? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

-O

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, Orangutan said:

Interesting subject as it affects all of us. Besides the online shopping sites, I have not been able to find a retail shop that carries the whole lineup of Xiaomi models? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

-O

Mi store ...  photos of at Central World & Siam Paragon

 

https://www.google.co.th/maps/place/Xiaomi+Store+Central+World+By+Comseven/@13.7467796,100.5392448,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipMhCYwmQgL1UdpAjMvUo_V5x9t_TrCL5KobAXlH!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMhCYwmQgL1UdpAjMvUo_V5x9t_TrCL5KobAXlH%3Dw203-h270-k-no!7i3024!8i4032!4m12!1m3!2m2!1smi+store+locations!6e6!3m7!1s0x30e29f8aa33ef341:0xf0b1ca30d84012bd!8m2!3d13.7467796!4d100.5392448!10e5!15sChJtaSBzdG9yZSBsb2NhdGlvbnNaCiIIbWkgc3RvcmWSARBjZWxsX3Bob25lX3N0b3Jl4AEA!16s%2Fg%2F11s5nljd81?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 

https://www.google.co.th/maps/search/mi+store+locations/@13.7410222,100.5083752,15634m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!2m1!6e6?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDExNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 

[Nitty Gritty]

I'm going to India!

 

https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2019-06/53693064.jpg

[harryviking]

On 1/19/2025 at 6:29 PM, OneMoreFarang said:

High floor condominium - up here the pollution is not half as bad as on street level.

ACs with filters.

Air purifier in the bedroom.

 

Personally, I only had a problem with the bad air when I want to sleep. With better air quality high up and the air purifier that problem is basically solved for me.

I also ride motorcycle in the bad air. But for whatever reason that doesn't really affect me.

 

Remember that it will take some time before any sign of damage to your health is felt and observed. By then it might be "to late"!☠

[Tazmo]

On 1/20/2025 at 5:53 AM, motdaeng said:

just because you don't feel or see pollution now doesn't mean it won't affect your health in the future.

it seems that nearly all thai people and most foreigners underestimate this fact and downplay the issue of air pollution until it directly affects them (health issues) or someone in their family or circle of friends.

 

a few basic facts to the pm2.5 pollution:

• pm2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
• sources: vehicle emissions, industrial processes, burning,  wildfires etc.
• health impact: can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
• measurement: expressed in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).
• safe levels: the who recommends 15 µg/m³ (24-hour) and 5 µg/m³ (annual).
• Air Quality Index: pm2.5  of 15 µg/m³ = AOI 57  and 5 µg/m³ = AOI 21 
• prevention: use masks, air purifiers, and limit outdoor activities during high pollution levels.

 

2025 01 20 : AQI map of thailand .... https://aqicn.org/country/thailand/

 

 

Spot on! Prevention better than cure, the old adage! But not many people subscribe to health education, primary prevention. They wait until they’re sick then go into hospital!

 

[alex8912]

On 1/20/2025 at 5:53 AM, motdaeng said:

just because you don't feel or see pollution now doesn't mean it won't affect your health in the future.

it seems that nearly all thai people and most foreigners underestimate this fact and downplay the issue of air pollution until it directly affects them (health issues) or someone in their family or circle of friends.

 

a few basic facts to the pm2.5 pollution:

• pm2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
• sources: vehicle emissions, industrial processes, burning,  wildfires etc.
• health impact: can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
• measurement: expressed in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).
• safe levels: the who recommends 15 µg/m³ (24-hour) and 5 µg/m³ (annual).
• Air Quality Index: pm2.5  of 15 µg/m³ = AOI 57  and 5 µg/m³ = AOI 21 
• prevention: use masks, air purifiers, and limit outdoor activities during high pollution levels.

 

2025 01 20 : AQI map of thailand .... https://aqicn.org/country/thailand/

 

 

But all these horrible things you mentioned were here 30 + years ago as well. We didn't have every Tom  Dick  and somchai taking air samples daily and so many are doing ok. or maybe adapted somehow.  Things are bad but so is constant fear mongering about many things. 

[Tazmo]

I have been going away to the seaside while I can afford it.

Also has an air purifier at home in CM and in the car as well.

People with chest conditions should not be exposed to the hazardous conditions. Sadly some can’t afford to move away temporarily and end up as a medical  statistic, either in hospital admission or death. It’s not a question of we all have to die someday, but we can have a choice of not prolonging the agony of suffering long before death or suffering of our loved ones ( those who have).

Primary prevention is getting there before the disease or illness eg with vaccines or taking other positive measures.

Secondary, is having to have treatment for the condition, as an out-patient or in-patient.

Teritary, is when the condition becomes chronic.

Research has also proven that hereditary factors also play a part but we can still minimize the risk.

My reply is not meant to be a sermon, but really just sharing my experience from 40 years in the Nursing profession, working in Sanatoriums ( In a coal- mining district), Chest Hospitals, Elderly care etc etc and watching helplessly at times as people suffer. 
Maybe after all it’s ‘ Karma’ ??  I somehow had to find the resilience to soldier on, because I felt we all are free to make our own choices in life, although some did not have much of a choice eg working in some conditions in the mining industry.

But it’s irresponsible and selfish to label this topic as “ paranoia”, even if it’s prevalent in other countries, as some have indicated.

 

 

[Kwaibill]

COPD and asthma, here. Gave me some trouble at 6,000+ altitude back home, and headed back there soon.🙏🏽

Here at close to sea level not much problem. We have an air cleaner machine that we keep running full time, and of course the air conditioners help when it gets over 30C, which is our comfort zone “turn on” level.

I otherwise “ hack up” a lot of mucous crap every day, but that has been pretty much life long.

[Hardcastle P]

On 1/19/2025 at 5:59 PM, Mitkof Island said:

Curious how most expats deal with the air pollution in their homes.

Do you have air-con in every room or a safe room to stay inside?

Do you use air purifiers also?

Name brands of air purifiers would be helpful along with prices where you purchased it and how it works in your home or room.

As much information as possible would be helpful for all those concerned.

Since the government seems totally unwilling to make any effort to clean up the air and garbage pollution.

We are all at risk including those working for the government and their families!

Use them in the bedrooms. Make sure you change the filters regularly 

 

[alex8912]

On 1/20/2025 at 10:49 PM, SiSePuede419 said:

Weird.  That's what my hiking buddy said about sunscreen back in Arizona.

"I don't worry about it"

After the Late-stage melanoma - the most aggressive form of skin cancer - spread through his bloodstream from its original location to his brain...?

He no longer needed to worry about it.

Bada bing. 😃 ⚰️

I and others know many people who use sun screen regularly and even avoid the sun 🌞 most of the time and the exact same thing as your bud happened. 

[Neeranam]

On 1/19/2025 at 5:59 PM, Mitkof Island said:

Since the government seems totally unwilling to make any effort to clean up the air and garbage pollution.

This is not true.

[Garouda]

I've been living in the Loei province, uphill in the middle of our rubber trees and fruit orchard, for seven years now...

Before that I lived in Sriracha and indeed in the end the air also became polluted, with black sticky dust on the furniture. When I arrived, in 2003, it wasn't an issue.

[Neeranam]

19 minutes ago, Hardcastle P said:

Use them in the bedrooms. Make sure you change the filters regularly 

 

Can you wash the filters?

 

[Neeranam]

54 minutes ago, Tazmo said:

I have been going away to the seaside while I can afford it.

I moved to the sea but terrible here in Hua Hin now. But actually lower here than my favourite island, Koh Mak. Not sure why it's high there.

[Celsius]

On 1/19/2025 at 6:29 PM, OneMoreFarang said:

High floor condominium - up here the pollution is not half as bad as on street level.

 

 

Well this is BS...... but I dunno.... maybe you live inside a penthouse on Burj Khalifa

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

Well this is BS...... but I dunno.... maybe you live inside a penthouse on Burj Khalifa

 

 

High Floors (20+ floors)

 

1. Lower Pollution Levels:

Pollutants, especially larger particles (PM10), are less likely to reach higher altitudes due to gravity and dispersion in the air.

 

2. Wind and Ventilation:

High floors are generally better ventilated by winds, which help disperse pollutants more effectively.

[OneMoreFarang]

6 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

Well this is BS...... but I dunno.... maybe you live inside a penthouse on Burj Khalifa

 

You are right: "but I dunno"

[Celsius]

3 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

High Floors (20+ floors)

 

1. Lower Pollution Levels:

Pollutants, especially larger particles (PM10), are less likely to reach higher altitudes due to gravity and dispersion in the air.

 

2. Wind and Ventilation:

High floors are generally better ventilated by winds, which help disperse pollutants more effectively.

 

Where did you copy this from?

 

The pollution in Thailand is not from traffic.

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

Where did you copy this from?

 

The pollution in Thailand is not from traffic.

 

The pollution in Thailand is not from traffic......555555

[Celsius]

Just now, Will B Good said:

 

The pollution in Thailand is not from traffic......555555

 

That's great, you can laugh in Thai.

 

So explain to me genius do people in Thailand only start driving in December?

 

"5555" 

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

That's great, you can laugh in Thai.

 

So explain to me genius do people in Thailand only start driving in December?

 

"5555" 

 

So genius......there's no pollution from traffic in, let's say, BKK........ever.......correct?

[Celsius]

Just now, Will B Good said:

 

So genius......there's no pollution from traffic in, let's say, BKK........ever.......correct?

 

How do you write back paddling in Thai?

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

How do you write back paddling in Thai?

?...do you mean back pedalling?

[OneMoreFarang]

15 minutes ago, Celsius said:

The pollution in Thailand is not from traffic.

For the pollution in Thailand, like everywhere else, there are several reasons. And it's not all the same all over Thailand.

In the middle of Bangkok, where I live, the pollution is definitely a big part from the traffic.

But it also depends a lot on the weather. I.e. no rain for weeks makes the situation worse.

[SiSePuede419]

34 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

I and others know many people who use sun screen regularly and even avoid the sun 🌞 most of the time and the exact same thing as your bud happened. 

Anecdotal.

The melanoma incident rate is 1-30 cases per 10,000 people a year depending on location. 

Australia is 25-30 cases.

That's only 0.25-0.3 out of 100 chance.

That's less than 1% of the population getting melanoma even in Australia.

 

 My buddy thought he was smarter than scientists and medical doctors just because he knew how to do other stuff.

 

Basically he ignored his skin cancer growing until it was too late.

 

Monitoring your skin and not ignoring ABCD is probably your biggest risk factor. 😜

 

Nipping melanoma in the bud involves regular monitoring and early detection through professional skin checks and self-examinations. Here's how you can work with a doctor to catch melanoma early:

 

Steps to Early Detection with a Doctor:

 

1. Regular Skin Exams by a Dermatologist:

 

Schedule a full-body skin exam annually, especially if you have risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of melanoma.

 

A dermatologist can identify suspicious moles or growths that might not be apparent to you.

 

 

 

2. Biopsies of Suspicious Lesions:

 

If your doctor notices an unusual mole or growth, they may perform a biopsy (removal of a small sample of tissue) to determine if it’s cancerous.

 

 

 

3. Dermatoscopy:

 

Dermatologists use a dermatoscope (a magnifying tool with light) to examine moles in detail, identifying subtle patterns that may indicate melanoma.

 

 

 

4. Mole Mapping:

 

For individuals with many moles, doctors may use mole mapping (photographic documentation of the skin) to track changes over time and identify new or evolving lesions.

 

 

 

5. Genetic Testing (if applicable):

 

If you have a strong family history of melanoma, genetic testing may help assess your risk and guide screening strategies.

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

Self-Monitoring Tips to Support Medical Checks:

 

1. Follow the ABCDE Rule for Moles:

 

A: Asymmetry – One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.

 

B: Border – Irregular, blurred, or ragged edges.

 

😄 Color – Uneven shades or multiple colors (brown, black, red, white, etc.).

 

😧 Diameter – Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

 

E: Evolving – Changes in size, shape, or color over time.

 

 

 

2. Perform Monthly Self-Exams:

 

Use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas, like the back and scalp.

 

Pay close attention to any new growths, itchy or bleeding spots, or changes in existing moles.

 

 

 

3. Track Changes:

 

Take photos of your moles to monitor any changes over months or years.

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

Other Ways to Minimize Risk:

 

Avoid Tanning Beds: Artificial UV light is a major risk factor for melanoma.

 

Check Hidden Areas: Melanoma can appear on areas not exposed to the sun, like the soles of the feet, under nails, or the scalp.

 

Encourage Early Reporting: If you notice anything unusual, report it to your doctor immediately—early detection dramatically improves outcomes.

 

 

By combining regular professional skin checks

with vigilant self-exams, you can catch melanoma early, when it is most treatable.

 

 

[Hummin]

11 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

For the pollution in Thailand, like everywhere else, there are several reasons. And it's not all the same all over Thailand.

In the middle of Bangkok, where I live, the pollution is definitely a big part from the traffic.

But it also depends a lot on the weather. I.e. no rain for weeks makes the situation worse.

I'm glad I'm not living in Bangkok. Today it have passed 200 pm, and no nice to be outside at all, even the facilities is great. Not fun to be tourist in BKK these days

 

 

 

[UWEB]

12 minutes ago, Hummin said:

I'm glad I'm not living in Bangkok. Today it have passed 200 pm, and no nice to be outside at all, even the facilities is great. Not fun to be tourist in BKK these days

 

 

 

Country side isn't much better, and the local Farmers even keep on burning.

[Hummin]

6 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Country side isn't much better, and the local Farmers even keep on burning.

I know, but home today "only 136"

[OneMoreFarang]

28 minutes ago, Hummin said:

I'm glad I'm not living in Bangkok. Today it have passed 200 pm, and no nice to be outside at all, even the facilities is great. Not fun to be tourist in BKK these days

 

 

 

 

To be fair, it very seldom looks like that - and I have a similar view when I look now out of the window.

[Albaby]

On 1/21/2025 at 3:13 PM, Gobbler said:

Are you trolling or just obtuse?

Democrat voter.