Hazardous Air Quality Alerts Issued Across Northern and Northeastern Thailand
Residents in the North, Northeast, and parts of Central Plains and Eastern Thailand are grappling with hazardous ultrafine dust levels, as reported by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency. The latest data, published on Thursday morning, reveals that 19 provinces are experiencing alarming red-level alerts due to particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations ranging from 75.3 to 122.5 micrograms per cubic meter. The government’s safety threshold for PM2.5 is set at 37.5 µg/m³.
Mae Hong Son recorded the most severe air quality at 122.5 µg/m³, closely followed by Phayao, Nan, and Trat. Other provinces affected include Lamphun, Phrae, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai, among others.
Meanwhile, 36 provinces are witnessing orange-level alerts, indicating health impacts with PM2.5 measurements between 37.7 and 73.7 µg/m³. Affected areas include Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Rayong.
In contrast, Bangkok and 16 other provinces reported more moderate air quality, with PM2.5 levels between 25.3 and 37.5 µg/m³, including provinces like Prachuap Khiri Khan and Ayutthaya. Five southern provinces—Narathiwat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang, and Yala—enjoyed good air quality, showing PM2.5 levels ranging from 18.1 to 23.8 µg/m³.
A recent Gistda map highlights the high PM2.5 levels predominantly affecting the northern and northeastern regions. In response, Thai authorities are set to implement several measures aimed at mitigating air pollution, including water sprays for dust suppression and cloud-seeding techniques to increase rainfall.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the need for regional dialogue with ASEAN partners, indicating that some pollution sources may originate from neighboring countries. "The government is committed to tackling this issue, as air pollution management is a collective responsibility," she stated.
Over the past three months, the Interior Ministry has reported over 133 arrests related to pollution violations, underlining the government’s firm stance on environmental enforcement.
