Bangkok: Air pollution levels in Bangkok are expected to remain stable this week, as authorities focus on controlling burning activities in surrounding areas.
According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt, along with Mr. Pornprom Wikitseth, Advisor to the Governor, and other sustainability executives, are closely monitoring the PM2.5 situation from the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center located in the Din Daeng District.
Governor Chatchart reported that air quality over the past weekend was favorable and noted an improvement in January's air quality compared to the previous year. Despite stagnant winds causing orange and yellow particulate matter levels recently, conditions are expected to improve by next Sunday. The governor mentioned that although some particulate accumulation would persist, it hasn't reached a point necessitating a work-from-home policy.
Mr. Pornprom explained that stagnant air circulation and a "lid-covering" phenomenon, coupled with easterly winds bringing dust from biomass burning, are expected to maintain the current dust levels. A comparison of statistics from January 1-25, 2025, and the same period in 2026, shows a significant improvement. The number of days with orange-level particulate matter decreased by 63%, and average particulate matter levels dropped by 30%. Additionally, burning incidents in the Central and Eastern regions of Thailand decreased by 42%.
Governor Chatchart attributed these results to collective efforts, including stricter black smoke inspections, reduced burning sites, and cooperation with neighboring provinces like Nakhon Nayok. He expressed gratitude towards the government and farmers for their support.
Efforts to suppress air pollution remain a priority, with measures to control burning activities around Bangkok. Biomass burning within the city is fully controlled, with only minor garbage burning incidents reported. Due to wind path analysis indicating that winds entering Bangkok primarily come from the northeast, intensified monitoring of burning in neighboring provinces will continue to prevent dust influx.
As the dust season stretches into February, the Bangkok administration emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and proactive coordination with neighboring provinces to maintain air quality improvements.