Bangkok Grapples with Alarming Air Pollution Levels

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Smart Air

In a worrying development, Bangkok, Thailand has been ranked eighth among the world’s most polluted cities, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) rating of 141, according to the latest report from IQAir. This classification falls into the category of "Unhealthy for sensitive groups," sparking renewed health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

 

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a measure used universally to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. The index spans from 0 to over 300, with accompanying descriptors such as "Good," "Moderate," "Unhealthy," and "Hazardous" to provide guidance on the potential health effects of air quality levels.

 

The global snapshot of air pollution today (March 20, 8am, IQAir) places the following cities in the top spots:

 

• Kathmandu, Nepal leads the pack with an AQI of 188.
• Delhi, India follows with 176.
• Lahore, Pakistan registers 156.
• Algiers, Algeria at 155.
• Hanoi, Vietnam also with 155.
• Dhaka, Bangladesh records an AQI of 151.
• Dubai, UAE notes 143.
• Bangkok, Thailand with 141.
• Wuhan, China reports 138.
• Warsaw, Poland at 132.

Bangkok's placement alongside cities such as Dubai and Hanoi illustrates a regional struggle with air pollution exacerbated by urbanisation and industrial growth.

 

 

 

Raising domestic alarm, several other Thai regions exhibit even poorer air quality. Notably:

 

• Samut Songkhram, Thailand records an AQI of 163, topping Thailand's list of worst affected areas.
• Nakhon Pathom, Thailand at 156.
• Saraburi, Thailand at 153.
• Samut Sakhon, Thailand at 149.
• Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan and Bang Sao Thong, Samut Prakan both with an AQI of 146.
• Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand at 143.
• Bangkok, Thailand at 141.
• Phetchabun, Thailand at 140.
• Samut Prakan, Thailand at 132.

Air pollution is gauged by the presence of six primary pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. PM2.5 particles, in particular, pose a severe threat as they are small enough to penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to respiratory disorders, heart disease, and other health complications.

 

Amid concerning pollution levels, Bangkok's residents are advised to take preventative measures such as wearing masks, curtailing outdoor activities, and employing air purifiers indoors. As of now, comprehensive government strategies to tackle this escalating issue remain absent, leaving the city engulfed in its toxic haze.

 

Adding to the woes, the Thai Meteorological Department warns of summer storms affecting much of Thailand, including regions like Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan. A recent high-pressure system from China has led to a slight temperature dip, strong winds, and the possibility of thunderstorms, prompting residents to prepare for sudden weather shifts while farmers should safeguard their livelihoods against potential climatic impacts, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-20

 

 

[billd766]

And out here in rural Kamphaeng Phet we were at 128 or 46.5 this morning.

 

Now it is 119.

[MikeandDow]

And again the Goverment does What !!!!!

[Mr Meeseeks]

They are totally incapable of dealing with this issue.

[Celsius]

4 hours ago, billd766 said:

And out here in rural Kamphaeng Phet we were at 128 or 46.5 this morning.

 

Now it is 119.

 

Is that good or bad?

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, Celsius said:

 

Is that good or bad?

Bad.

 

The government 'struggles' with these levels every year.

We all know that they will do nothing about it, just like previous governments.

 

Here on Samui - 86 US AQI⁺   (moderate)

Main pollutant: PM2.5 28  µg/m³

This is why I moved from Bangkok to Samui.