PUBLISHED: 18 Feb 2025 at 10:13
In a concerning report released on Tuesday morning, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) indicated that hazardous levels of ultrafine dust have been detected across northern Thailand and some regions in the upper northeastern provinces.
The report, published at 8 AM, highlighted that three northern provinces experienced red-level air quality, classified as hazardous due to the presence of particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5).
Phrae emerged as the most affected province, reporting a staggering 85.6 micrograms per cubic metre of air within the past 24 hours.
Lampang and Lamphun followed closely, with PM2.5 levels recorded at 81.8 µg/m³ and 76.3 µg/m³, respectively. The government-designated safe level is 37.5 µg/m³.
Twelve additional provinces were under orange-level alerts, categorized as starting to affect health, with PM2.5 levels ranging from 42.1 to 74.5 µg/m³.
These provinces include Nan, Phayao, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Chiang Rai, Loei, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Nong Bua Lam Phu, and Mae Hong Son, with only Loei and Nong Bua Lam Phu situated in the Northeast.
Conversely, 61 out of 76 provinces, including Bangkok, reported moderate to very good air quality.
Bangkok and 29 other provinces demonstrated good air quality, encompassing Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Saraburi, and Trang.
Additionally, 18 provinces achieved very good air quality, with PM2.5 levels between 7.4 and 14.5 µg/m³, including Yala, Nonthaburi, Surat Thani, and Phuket.
The Gistda map portrays unsafe PM2.5 levels marked in orange and red on Tuesday morning.
A map illustrating hotspots across Thailand and neighboring countries was also provided.
