Half a complete nation deemed ‘unsafe’ as air pollution ranges sky rocket
A toxic smog crisis grips Thailand, with nearly half the country, including Bangkok and dozens of tourist hotspots, blanketed in ultra-fine dust pollution at levels more than double the safety limit
A popular holiday destination for British tourists is currently facing a major environmental crisis, as toxic smog blankets its capital city and other areas.
Nearly half of Thailand has been declared “unsafe” as ultra-fine dust pollution soared to hazardous levels across Bangkok and 36 provinces.
Some areas have even recorded PM2.5 concentrations more than double the government’s safety threshold. PM2.5 stands for particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or smaller in diameter, about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
The choking smog has left millions breathing dangerously dirty air, while only a handful of southern provinces enjoy clean skies.
Brits heading to Thailand this winter might want to pack a face mask. Ultra-fine dust pollution has reached dangerously high levels in Bangkok and 36 other provinces, with one area officially labelled “red” for seriously harmful air.
According to the country’s space agency, Gistda, early morning readings showed PM2.5 soaring as high as 78.7 microgrammes per cubic metre in Samut Sakhon, more than double the government’s safety limit.
The capital Bangkok, along with popular spots like Nonthaburi and Ayutthaya, are also choking on thick smog, while only a handful of southern provinces, including holiday favourites Phuket and Krabi, are still enjoying fresh air.
Other areas experiencing thick and harmful smog, the Bangkok Post reported.
Affect areas from the highest to the lowest levels of pollution:
Bangkok
Nakhon Pathom
Nonthaburi
Pathum Thani
Samut Prakan
Ayutthaya
Samut Songkhram
Ang Thong
Saraburi
Suphan Buri
Ratchaburi
Nong Khai
Phetchaburi
Kanchanaburi
Chachoengsao
Lop Buri
Sing Buri
Sa Kaeo
Uthai Thani
Nakhon Ratchasima
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Prachin Buri
Khon Kaen
Rayong
Chon Buri
Chai Nat
Nakhon Sawan
Chaiyaphum
Nakhon Nayok
Udon Thani
Buri Ram
Phetchabun
Chanthaburi
Maha Sarakham
Sukhothai
Nong Bua Lam Phu
Very good air quality was detected in six provinces, mostly in the South, with PM2.5 levels between 10.2 and 13.7µg/m³. The provinces included Krabi, Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Mae Hong Son and Satun.
Other provinces experienced either good or moderate air quality, as per the Bangkok Post
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