Bangkok's Air Crisis Escalates: Fourth Worst Globally for Pollution

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Bangkok's air quality plummeted dramatically today, landing it the unenviable position of being the fourth most polluted city in the world, as reported by the Swiss monitoring entity IQAir. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) rocketed to an alarming 188 by 9.40am, with the fine particulate matter PM2.5 spiking well above safety standards.

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) responded by designating 48 out of 50 districts as hazardous “red zones,” noting the PM2.5 particles had soared to an average of 88.4 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), starkly surpassing the official safe threshold of 37.5µg/m³. Nong Khaem district recorded the highest pollution level, with PM2.5 reaching 108µg/m³, and was closely followed by other districts like Khan Na Yao and Min Buri.

 

Authorities have strongly advised residents to stay indoors, encouraging working from home and limiting outdoor activities to mitigate health risks. "This situation is extremely concerning, and we advise everyone to take necessary precautions," a City Hall representative stated.

 

 

The pollution crisis extends beyond Bangkok. Chiang Mai, a key northern tourist city, also struggled with elevated pollution, ranked 23rd globally with an AQI of 127µg/m³. Regionally, Bangkok's pollution was exceeded by Ho Chi Minh City, listed as Southeast Asia's most polluted city today, while Phnom Penh and Hanoi also grappled with severe air quality issues.

 

As the toxic air persists, public pressure mounts on Thai officials to combat the enveloping smog affecting both metropolitan and rural areas. For the present, retreating indoors with air purification seems the solitary defence against the hazardous skies.

 

The PM2.5 crisis is exacerbated during Thailand's dry season from November to April, where stagnant air allows pollutants to accumulate. Agricultural practices, like burning crop residues, considerably aggravate the situation, especially in the northern provinces. The government's strategies include recommending remote work, limiting outdoor activities, and establishing checkpoints to monitor pollution.

 

-- 2025-01-24