Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Informal workers in Bangkok are increasingly concerned about the impact of PM2.5 fine dust particles on their health and work performance. Despite the ongoing exposure and health risks, there is currently no comprehensive long-term policy to address the issue. Kanokporn Hoosawatdee, who runs a roadside fried-pork stall in Bang Khen, reports that she now takes four anti-allergy pills daily due to worsening symptoms linked to air pollution.

 

PM2.5 levels in Bangkok pose significant health risks, particularly to the city's estimated 10-12 million affected people each year, according to Dr. Supakorn Tultrairatana from Nopparatrajathanee Hospital. These particles exacerbate respiratory diseases and can cause skin and eye irritations. Dr. Supakorn recommends using N95 masks and wearing long-sleeved clothing for protection, emphasizing the severe risk for asthma and COPD patients.

 

Workers like Anukool Rachaguna, a coordinator at Rider Union Network, face heightened exposure due to their lengthy outdoor hours. Anukool notes the increased costs of obtaining N95 masks, crucial for protecting against pollutants. With regular surgical masks proving inadequate, he advocates for platforms to supply riders with necessary protective gear monthly.

 

Bangkok's governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, announced that the city is classified as a pollution control zone from November through March due to high PM2.5 levels. A range of measures is being implemented to combat pollution, such as creating low-emission zones, regulating vehicle and factory emissions, and increasing green spaces. Coordination with neighboring provinces aims to manage agricultural burning, which contributes significantly to air pollution.

 

Governor Chadchart likens the fight against PM2.5 to a marathon, indicating a lengthy process before tangible improvements are seen. Meanwhile, informal workers continue to bear the escalating costs of protective measures against the persistent health threats posed by air pollution, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Bangkok workers face health risks from seasonal PM2.5 exposure.
• Policy measures include low-emission zones and increased green spaces.
• Long-term solutions are needed to alleviate the ongoing cost burdens on workers.

 

Related Stories

Bangkok Acts to Manage Haze with New Pollution Controls

Bangkok's Free Transport Initiative Sparks Criticism Amidst Haze Crisis

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-17

 

 

 

Dirty air is part of the parcel of the experience here if you live close to major cities, as they won't stop the polluting companies or small-time farmers that burn their crops from polluting the air. Only going to be okay if you are out of town and not somewhere too industrial. Only thing you can do is to buy air purifiers for inside your home. Some cities are better than others... Isaan often is a little better than many other places, but there are times when it is toxic everywhere.

On 12/17/2025 at 6:15 PM, Sir Dude said:

Dirty air is part of the parcel of the experience here if you live close to major cities, as they won't stop the polluting companies or small-time farmers that burn their crops from polluting the air. Only going to be okay if you are out of town and not somewhere too industrial. Only thing you can do is to buy air purifiers for inside your home. Some cities are better than others... Isaan often is a little better than many other places, but there are times when it is toxic everywhere.

dirty air is part of experience just about anywhere you live in Thailand: check the airquality index map. Air purifiers for all areas if worried

https://thainewsroom.com/2023/04/15/high-pm2-5-pollution-levels-in-40-provinces-over-1000-hotspots/attachment/789228/

 

Good to suggest wearing N95 masks... a bit better than nothing

Meanwhile, use photo of worker without mask to..... what?

Not only construction labourers but street vendors, too...with their kids!

 

So who is buying off govt to allow this to happen? CP for the countryside, ItalThai for the capital?

 

(Yeah, sue me for naming names. I got nothin')