BANGKOK, THAILAND – Bangkok woke to hazardous air on January 1, with the Air Quality Information Centre reporting 24-hour PM2.5 averages of 37.4 to 70.3 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) across the capital, well above the safe threshold of 37.5 μg/m³.
Readings from 68 stations classified most areas as “orange,” signaling emerging health risks. Chatuchak topped the list at 70.3 μg/m³ near Kasetsart University, followed by Don Mueang (68.7 μg/m³), and Lat Krabang and Prawet (both 68.2 μg/m³). Business hubs like Pathum Wan, Khlong Toei, Yan Nawa, and Sathon also hit orange levels, blanketing the city in smog on New Year’s morning.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) confirmed Air Quality Index (AQI) levels at most sites posed potential health threats. Thailand’s Meteorological Department noted cool weather and light morning mist, trapping pollutants close to the ground.
Poor ventilation from stable air and weak winds fueled the spike, the centre warned, with PM2.5 expected to climb further on January 1. Relief looms: stronger winds from January 2-6 should boost dispersion, easing pollution from urban sources and fires. NASA data revealed no unusual hotspots, pointing to weather and city activity as primary culprits.
BMA’s Environment Department activated its PM2.5 plan, ramping up enforcement and advising five resident actions: indoor wet-cleaning for dust control, banning waste/incense burning, tree-planting, public transit use, and no-idling engines.