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Air pollution levels in Bangkok have risen, with PM2.5 dust particles averaging 55.6µg/m³. This increase is attributed to a large smoke plume from agricultural and forest fires in a neighboring province, exacerbated by stagnant air conditions. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted on a Facebook livestream that the smoke has been drifting towards the city since last night, intensifying pollution, especially in the eastern suburbs such as Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, and Klong Sam Wa.

Current weather patterns, including a slow northeasterly air current, have contributed to the situation. The governor, however, expects conditions to improve somewhat as air circulation is anticipated to get better later in the afternoon. Residents are advised to take precautions by avoiding outdoor activities and wearing face masks when outside.

The city administration’s Air Quality Information Centre reports that the entire city is enveloped in PM2.5 dust. Of particular concern are four districts categorized as 'Red' due to their high pollution levels. Twelve districts have been identified as having the highest PM2.5 levels, with Nong Chok at 80.8µg/m³, followed closely by Min Buri at 77.3µg/m³.

In response to the air quality issues, authorities emphasize the importance of health measures. The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of managing air quality, particularly during seasons when agricultural burning occurs in the region. The immediate focus is on safeguarding public health while working towards long-term solutions to mitigate such pollution events.

Looking forward, officials and environmental agencies will continue monitoring the air quality and issue updates. Ongoing efforts to manage agricultural practices and prevent unsustainable burning could help address the root causes of air quality problems in the future, reported Thai PBS.

Key Takeaways

• Air quality in Bangkok deteriorates with PM2.5 levels rising due to nearby fires.

• Eastern suburbs face the highest pollution, prompting health advisories.

• Conditions expected to improve as air circulation increases later today.

Related Stories

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2026-01-28

 

 

Wait. Really?!? This has gotta be fake news! /s

This morning it had climbed up to 125µg/m³ in my area 😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️

The burning of crops has to stop, and is the primary culprit every year. There is a very simple solution to this problem. If the authorities were interested in solutions. There are alternatives, to this 19th century technique of burning after the sugar cane harvest. Either the government starts to encourage farmers to switch to more environmentally friendly crops, or they start to penalize farmers for burning. This heinous burning, is leading to a tremendous degree of environmental degradation, and alot of lung disease. So here is what I propose-

1. Fine the farmers 5,000 baht for a first offense, and give them a stern warning, that burning is now prohibited, and the second fine will be very harsh.

2. For a second offense, fine the farmer 100,000 baht, and warn them that if the burning continues, their land will be confiscated. The fine must be paid within 30 days, or penalties apply. A stern warning will then be issued that the next offense will mean losing your farm.

3. On the 3rd offense, confiscate their land. Period. No questions. No legal proceeding or appeals on the part of the farmers. Allow others to come in and purchase the land at a fair price, with the caveat that sugar and rice are prohibited as a crop to be grown on that land.

Some will comment that this is overly harsh and rice has been grown for generations and it's very hard to switch crops. I agree there are challenges involved, but something has to be done, and we need to figure out a way to move forward, progress has to come at some point, so why not now?

The news would travel faster than the toxic smoke, and farmers would change their ways overnight, and move into the 21st century.

Crimes against humanity.

Just find the culprits, seize and sell their land, then use the proceeds to fund care for those suffering from selfish landowners.

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

The burning of crops has to stop, and is the primary culprit every year. There is a very simple solution to this problem. If the authorities were interested in solutions. There are alternatives, to this 19th century technique of burning after the sugar cane harvest. Either the government starts to encourage farmers to switch to more environmentally friendly crops, or they start to penalize farmers for burning. This heinous burning, is leading to a tremendous degree of environmental degradation, and alot of lung disease. So here is what I propose-

1. Fine the farmers 5,000 baht for a first offense, and give them a stern warning, that burning is now prohibited, and the second fine will be very harsh.

2. For a second offense, fine the farmer 100,000 baht, and warn them that if the burning continues, their land will be confiscated. The fine must be paid within 30 days, or penalties apply. A stern warning will then be issued that the next offense will mean losing your farm.

3. On the 3rd offense, confiscate their land. Period. No questions. No legal proceeding or appeals on the part of the farmers. Allow others to come in and purchase the land at a fair price, with the caveat that sugar and rice are prohibited as a crop to be grown on that land.

Some will comment that this is overly harsh and rice has been grown for generations and it's very hard to switch crops. I agree there are challenges involved, but something has to be done, and we need to figure out a way to move forward, progress has to come at some point, so why not now?

The news would travel faster than the toxic smoke, and farmers would change their ways overnight, and move into the 21st century.

Great ideas.

Those fines are per rai, correct?

Also, proceeds from the sale of confiscated land are donated to school children (equally) in the nearest school in an attempt to better educate the ignorant masses.

35 minutes ago, kuzmabruk said:

Great ideas.

Those fines are per rai, correct?

Also, proceeds from the sale of confiscated land are donated to school children (equally) in the nearest school in an attempt to better educate the ignorant masses.

I agree- but TIT - lots of complaining and nothing will be done

Last year I was riding the train from Aranyaphrathet to Bangkok. Between Siem Reap and Poipet, there was no burning. On the train, not only were the fields burning but the train right of way too. On another occasion, on the same route, they were burning the the highway shoulders.

This has been a problem for umpteen years and its the same BS every year. The govt blames everybody else but ignores their role too. The solution: Im not going to be in Thailand between January and rainy season.

And they wonder why tourist numbers keep dropping.

Look to Brazil! But unfortunately, it would take Government investment so it won't happen.

"This increase is attributed to a large smoke plume from agricultural and forest fires in a neighboring province, exacerbated by stagnant air conditions." should be worthless (less than worthless) enforcement.

How about "we can't find the fires"... I expect that one someday. Follow the smoke?

When I was going to U of Oregon back when, the Willamette valley was like a big funnel for the smoke from field burning of grass seed industry. In September worse than anything I've experienced here by far. Visibility of a couple of blocks.

Here is how pollution was solved (from google)

"To address concerns over air pollution and public safety, the Oregon grass seed industry significantly reduced open field burning—from over 250,000 acres annually in the 1980s to under 15,000 acres today. Solutions include baling and exporting straw to Asian markets, utilizing mechanical tillage, and developing new crop varieties that do not require burning"

On 1/31/2026 at 3:37 PM, Emdog said:

"This increase is attributed to a large smoke plume from agricultural and forest fires in a neighboring province, exacerbated by stagnant air conditions." should be worthless (less than worthless) enforcement.

How about "we can't find the fires"... I expect that one someday. Follow the smoke?

When I was going to U of Oregon back when, the Willamette valley was like a big funnel for the smoke from field burning of grass seed industry. In September worse than anything I've experienced here by far. Visibility of a couple of blocks.

Here is how pollution was solved (from google)

"To address concerns over air pollution and public safety, the Oregon grass seed industry significantly reduced open field burning—from over 250,000 acres annually in the 1980s to under 15,000 acres today. Solutions include baling and exporting straw to Asian markets, utilizing mechanical tillage, and developing new crop varieties that do not require burning"

Yes. This was a great solution. Unfortunately, now the air quality in Oregon is bad every summer due to forest fires.