Picture courtesy: Smart Air

 

Bangkok is grappling with alarming levels of PM2.5 pollution, prompting city officials to advise residents to wear protective masks and limit outdoor activities. Several districts reported higher pollution levels, some reaching the orange category, which can impact health.

 

The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre documented PM2.5 levels at 34.7 µg/m³ citywide at 7am on Friday, December 26. This exceeds the safe standard of 37.5 µg/m³, with certain districts experiencing elevated readings. Notable district readings include:

 

Chatuchak: 45 µg/m³
Sathon: 44.9 µg/m³
Bang Rak: 44.1 µg/m³
Pathum Wan: 41.9 µg/m³
Bang Kho Laem: 41.6 µg/m³
Bang Sue: 40.2 µg/m³
Phasi Charoen: 39.8 µg/m³
Nong Khaem: 39.5 µg/m³
Phra Khanong: 39.2 µg/m³
Ratchathewi: 38.2 µg/m³
Bang Khen: 37.8 µg/m³
Rat Burana: 37.5 µg/m³

The overall PM2.5 levels across Bangkok zones varied from moderate to concerning, with North Bangkok recording 30.5–45 µg/m³ and South Bangkok 25.5–44.9 µg/m³. Despite an expected ease in pollution, fluctuations in air quality remain likely.

 

Residents have been advised to wear PM2.5 masks, particularly those with health risks, as orange-level air quality is beginning to affect health. The general public should limit strenuous outdoor activities, while at-risk groups should avoid them entirely and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

 

Experts anticipate that while the city’s air quality might improve, fluctuations are still likely. Residents are urged to stay up-to-date on air quality reports and adhere to the provided health guidelines to minimise adverse effects, reported The Nation.

 

Key Takeaways

• Bangkok faces increased PM2.5 pollution, reaching orange levels in areas.
• Residents are advised to wear masks and limit outdoor activities.
• Fluctuations are expected, despite possible improvements in air quality.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-26

 

 

 

Medical/Covid masks (in photo) are a waste of time 

Could it have been caused by all the Christmas celebrations?

 

Or maybe the massive invasion of foreign tourists?

 

Or probably people running around doing extra seasonal shopping as reported in some media?

 

Or just the annual seasonal domestic pollution caused by "not my problem" Thais?

nothing to see here

On 12/26/2025 at 9:15 AM, webfact said:

The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre documented PM2.5 levels at 34.7 µg/m³ citywide at 7am on Friday, December 26. This exceeds the safe standard of 37.5 µg/m³

Exceeds it by -2.8.

Come to Chiang Mai we have superb air currently.

What`s the difference between ug/m3 and US AQI?

According to my IQAir app, both Bangkok and Phitsanulok are on 62, joint 18th/19th. Worst is Samut Songkhram @ 109, best Rayong @ 47.

2 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

Come to Chiang Mai we have superb air currently.

Currently 75 on my app.

9 minutes ago, Will Iam Not said:

What`s the difference between ug/m3 and US AQI?

AQI is a pollution index, µg/m³ is a specific pollutant measurement, in this case of PM2.5.  Currently 14µg/m³ in Bangkok.

8 minutes ago, Will Iam Not said:

What`s the difference between ug/m3 and US AQI?

According to my IQAir app, both Bangkok and Phitsanulok are on 62, joint 18th/19th. Worst is Samut Songkhram @ 109, best Rayong @ 47.

US AQI is an overall measure of Air Quality, including PM1, PM2.5, PM10, CO, CO2, NOx, SOx and other pollutants.  PM2.5 is considered to be the most dangerous to health because those particles are just the right size to get stuck in your lungs (alveolar to be technical) and eventually cause emphysema.  The danger levels of AQI are over 50, over 100, over 150, etc.  Basically, every 35 US AQUI points is equivalent to smoking 1 cigarette per day.

   Maybe take a look at what Shanghai has done and also make a note that Hanoi is phasing out gas motorcycles, starting with the inner ring in 2026.   Take some strong measures for once rather than always the useless 'urging', 'encouraging' and the rest of the totally lame lip service given to the issue.  

53 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

Come to Chiang Mai we have superb air currently.

Please, please don't come to Chiang Mai.

1 hour ago, Cameroni said:

Come to Chiang Mai we have superb air currently.

Not for long ??

Every year it's the same ridiculous mess, and the lethargic, lazy and relatively useless politicians do nothing about it.

 

They don't enforce the crop burning laws, they don't pull over diesel trucks that are spewing out enormous clouds of black smoke due to sheer sloth and unwillingness to pay a few hundred baht to change the oil, and the public health tragedy continues. 

3 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Come to Chiang Mai we have superb air currently.

The migration has already started with all the cars and trucks going to see family for the Holidays as usual to the North. Soon to be bumper to bumper tomorrow on AH-1 in front of my house.

3 hours ago, CM Dad said:

Please, please don't come to Chiang Mai.

Too Late, they are on the way as usual.

All I'm seeing here in Bangna for the last two weeks is largely green, 6 PM2.5.

On 12/26/2025 at 9:15 AM, webfact said:

Bangkok is grappling with alarming levels of PM2.5 pollution, prompting city officials to advise residents to wear protective masks and limit outdoor activities. Several districts reported higher pollution levels, some reaching the orange category, which can impact health.

Tourists please continue to come, stay outside and spend freely.

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Tourists please continue to come, stay outside and spend freely.

...and wear a N95 mask.