Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its efforts to tackle hazardous PM2.5 dust by setting a target of 300,000 participants for its work-from-home (WFH) scheme next year. This is a notable increase from the 200,000 participants recorded this year, aimed at reducing traffic-related emissions to protect public health during the high-risk cold season.

 

Currently, 211,541 individuals from 368 agencies are part of the WFH network. The BMA plans to implement two formats for the scheme from 2025 to 2026: one is a mandatory WFH request during severe pollution conditions, and the other is a proactive measure requiring agencies to implement WFH at least one day per week from January 2025 to March 2026.

 

The mandatory measure will be triggered if PM2.5 levels reach the orange threshold of 51-72 µg/m³ in 35 or more districts, accompanied by poor ventilation and over 80 fire hotspots in the city for three consecutive days.

 

On Monday, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt introduced a comprehensive package of ten new measures to address pollution caused by stagnant air, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. Due to these challenges, the National Environment Board has declared Bangkok a pollution-control zone from November to March.

 

A major part of the new plan is expanding the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) across all 50 districts to impose stricter limits on high-emitting vehicles like heavy trucks. Emission standards are also being tightened with the permissible level of black smoke from vehicles reduced from 30% to 20%, backed by increased roadside inspections. The BMA will continue its Green List Plus initiative, targeting registration of 500,000 vehicles that complete basic maintenance.

 

Furthermore, construction sites and industrial facilities will undergo closer scrutiny, with mandatory continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) installation required for operations with boilers. The BMA will also enhance collaboration with neighboring provinces to address agricultural burning and regional haze.

 

The city aims to complete dust-free rooms in schools and child-development centers by March, with over 1,000 already in existence. Public awareness will be heightened through social media and a new cell-broadcast warning system, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

• Bangkok targets 300,000 participants for WFH in 2025 to reduce emissions.
• LEZ expansion and stricter vehicle emission standards are being enforced.
• Completion of dust-free rooms in schools is prioritized by March.

 

Related Stories

Bangkok Acts to Manage Haze with New Pollution Controls

Mae Hong Son Battles Ongoing Wildfires Amidst Thick Smoke and Haze

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-09

 

 

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its efforts to tackle hazardous PM2.5 dust by setting a target of 300,000 participants for its work-from-home (WFH) scheme next year. This is a notable increase from the 200,000 participants recorded this year, aimed at reducing traffic-related emissions to protect public health during the high-risk cold season.

 

Currently, 211,541 individuals from 368 agencies are part of the WFH network. The BMA plans to implement two formats for the scheme from 2025 to 2026: one is a mandatory WFH request during severe pollution conditions, and the other is a proactive measure requiring agencies to implement WFH at least one day per week from January 2025 to March 2026.

 

The mandatory measure will be triggered if PM2.5 levels reach the orange threshold of 51-72 µg/m³ in 35 or more districts, accompanied by poor ventilation and over 80 fire hotspots in the city for three consecutive days.

 

On Monday, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt introduced a comprehensive package of ten new measures to address pollution caused by stagnant air, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. Due to these challenges, the National Environment Board has declared Bangkok a pollution-control zone from November to March.

 

A major part of the new plan is expanding the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) across all 50 districts to impose stricter limits on high-emitting vehicles like heavy trucks. Emission standards are also being tightened with the permissible level of black smoke from vehicles reduced from 30% to 20%, backed by increased roadside inspections. The BMA will continue its Green List Plus initiative, targeting registration of 500,000 vehicles that complete basic maintenance.

 

Furthermore, construction sites and industrial facilities will undergo closer scrutiny, with mandatory continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) installation required for operations with boilers. The BMA will also enhance collaboration with neighboring provinces to address agricultural burning and regional haze.

 

The city aims to complete dust-free rooms in schools and child-development centers by March, with over 1,000 already in existence. Public awareness will be heightened through social media and a new cell-broadcast warning system, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

• Bangkok targets 300,000 participants for WFH in 2025 to reduce emissions.
• LEZ expansion and stricter vehicle emission standards are being enforced.
• Completion of dust-free rooms in schools is prioritized by March.

 

Related Stories

Bangkok Acts to Manage Haze with New Pollution Controls

Mae Hong Son Battles Ongoing Wildfires Amidst Thick Smoke and Haze

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-09

 

 

 

Until until burning bans are enforced the problem will persist.

I live in Kamphaeng Phet and I do not see any smoke from fires here as the rainy season just ended. Sugarcane has just now opened Dec. 10 which was yesterday. The only thing I see here is the mountain between me and Myanmar has become slightly hazy for some reason. Maybe the haze problem has drifted over from Myanmar?

Band-Aid solutions are not what's required at this point, drastic solutions are needed such as holding the farmers accountable for burning their crops which is a major cause of pollution this time of year. They like to blame regional forest fires but I think excessive diesel exhaust from vehicles that are not properly maintained, and police, highway patrol, and officials that don't hold the owners of those vehicles accountable, combined with refusal to enforce the laws regarding burning are the primary causes. 

 

Stop pontificating, stop making declarations, stop drawing up in any plans in the air conditioned offices, and start acting guys! It's way overdue and you need to start demonstrating that you care at least one iota about your people and their lives and health. 

On 12/9/2025 at 6:08 PM, snoop1130 said:

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is intensifying its efforts to tackle hazardous PM2.5 dust by setting a target of 300,000 participants for its work-from-home (WFH) scheme next year

Great news for the office wallers with air-con.

Screw the others who suffer outside where the pollution is?