Bangkok: This morning, dust levels remained high, exceeding standards in many areas across the country, particularly in Bangkok and its vicinity, the northern region, and the eastern region. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced a request for cooperation in working from home from tomorrow. Meanwhile, in Ang Thong Province, dust levels have soared, leading the governor to announce a ban on burning and stricter enforcement of the law.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported at 7:00 a.m. that Bangkok’s average PM 2.5 level was 47.1 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the standard of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Sixty-two areas saw levels exceeding the standard, reaching the orange level, beginning to affect health. The highest levels were found in Bang Rak District at 59.4 micrograms per cubic meter, followed by Sathon District at 58.8 micrograms, Lat Krabang District at 56.2 micrograms, and Min Buri and Bang Kho Laem Districts at 53.5 micrograms per cubic meter.
The graphic shows some yellow, suggesting a slight improvement from yesterday’s situation, which was orange across Bangkok, exceeding the threshold in 35 districts. This prompted Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to announce a request for cooperation in working from home tomorrow to reduce traffic and the accumulation of toxic dust.
For the weather forecast for December 3-11, ventilation is mostly in the “poor/weak” range, as the air is closed near the surface. Therefore, it is expected that the dust concentration trend will increase. However, during December 4-9, the atmosphere near the surface is relatively open with strong winds, so it is expected that the dust concentration trend will decrease.
In addition to Bangkok, several central provinces are also experiencing high PM 2.5 levels. Ang Thong Province, for example, has seen overcast skies and dust blanketing the entire province. Real-time PM 2.5 measurement app data shows that in Mueang Ang Thong District, PM 2.5 levels reached 50.2 micrograms, exceeding the orange standard. Meanwhile, all seven districts in Ang Thong Province are also in the orange zone. Residents are advised to wear face masks, avoid outdoor activities in the morning, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms, including nasal irritation, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.
Ang Thong Governor Natee Mantriwat has announced a ban on open burning in agricultural areas to reduce PM 2.5 dust levels from December 2025 to May 2026. He has ordered officials to strictly enforce the law. Any burning found will be prosecuted, with a possible penalty of up to three months imprisonment, a fine of up to 25,000 baht, or both.