Thread: Airborne pollution forecast to worsen this weekend

The PM2.5 problem in and around Bangkok, in 17 northern provinces and in the northeast is predicted to get worse this weekend, while the situation in the south is steadily improving, according to the Air Pollution Mitigation Centre.


Airborne pollution in the eastern region is forecast to ease from next Wednesday.


PM2.5 dust has reached the health-affecting Red level in Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Chainat, Kanchanaburi, Saraburi and Sing Buri today, with the highest concentration being measured at 117µg/m³ in Ban Nua sub-district of Kanchanaburi.


47 provinces are suffering from excessive levels of PM2.5 today, including greater Bangkok.


In the north, PM2.5 readings range from 15.3-84.9µg/m³, 26.9-67.6µg/m³ in the northeast, 34.0-120.2µg/m³ in central and western provinces. Only five areas in the east have excessive airborne pollutants, measured at 24.8-69.5µg/m³.


In and around Bangkok, PM2.5 was measured at 13.2-64.8µg/m³.

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/airborn...-this-weekend/

Thai Government Implements Measures to Combat Illegal Burning and Improve Air Quality

On February 15th, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul disclosed directives following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Governors were instructed to conduct field inspections and engage communities to halt illegal agricultural burning.


The Ministry of the Interior, Natural Resources and Environment, and Royal Thai Army united per the Prime Minister’s order to assist locals in agricultural disposal and explore alternatives to crop burning.


Anutin convened with northern governors in Chiang Rai to address PM 2.5 concerns. While Chiang Mai boasted good air quality recently, Kanchanaburi faced troubling hot spots, prompting Anutin’s intervention.

In the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, remote work measures were under consideration alongside intensified vehicle emissions checks. Anutin noted these initiatives aligned with ongoing discussions on amendments to the Clean Air Act bill.


Despite remote work mandates for many agencies, certain offices remained operational. Anutin underscored the Thai government’s efforts to combat illegal burning, acknowledging the need for regional collaboration.

Anutin stressed the national and international approaches required to address air quality concerns, citing ongoing negotiations with neighboring countries. He emphasized collective responsibility across all sectors for improving the quality of life.

Thai Government Implements Measures to Combat Illegal Burning and Improve Air Quality - The Pattaya News