Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sitthiphan has issued a stern warning to residents as the city grapples with worsening PM2.5 dust levels. Speaking at the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center on January 24, 2025, the governor highlighted the severity of the situation, urging citizens to take precautions.
“The dusty situation today is worse then yesterday,” Chatchart stated, emphasizing the need for masks and limited outdoor activities. The PM2.5 crisis extends beyond Bangkok, affecting the metropolitan area, the Eastern region, and several provinces.
A critically important contributor to the problem is agricultural burning, particularly in areas like Nakhon Nayok province. “The burning is still a heavy problem, especially from the outer area,” Chatchart explained. Farmers ofen resort to burning rice stumps due to the lack of viable alternatives, and local agencies struggle to address the issue effectively.
To combat the crisis,Bangkok has implemented low emission zone measures,restricting the movement of non-green registered six-wheel trucks in key areas. Since the enforcement began on January 23, 2018, 305 non-compliant vehicles have been fined under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act. Though,some residents argue that the penalties are too lenient.
Chatchart also addressed ongoing efforts to monitor black smoke emissions, citing three key laws: the Act to Promote and Maintain Environmental Quality, the Land Transport Act, and the Road Traffic Act. Despite these measures, 352 schools under Bangkok’s jurisdiction have been forced to close.
Looking ahead, the governor predicted that the dust situation would improve by January 27-28, thanks to better ventilation. “Leave people to take care of their health. Bangkok is ready to accept criticism but will continue to work to solve the problem,” Chatchart affirmed.
Key Measures and Predictions
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| PM2.5 Levels | Worse than previous days, affecting Bangkok and surrounding regions. |
| Main Cause | Agricultural burning, particularly in Nakhon Nayok province. |
| Low Emission Zones | Restrictions on non-green registered six-wheel trucks in key areas.|
| Penalties | Fines up to 2,000 baht and imprisonment not exceeding 1 month. |
| School Closures | 352 schools under Bangkok’s jurisdiction closed due to poor air quality. |
| Predicted Enhancement | Better ventilation expected by January 27-28. |
As Bangkok continues to battle the PM2.5 crisis, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. For real-time updates on air quality, visit the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center.
Bangkok’s PM2.5 Crisis: Expert Insights on Causes, Measures, and Predictions
As Bangkok faces worsening PM2.5 levels, the city’s residents are struggling with severe air quality issues. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Somchai Wongwat, an environmental scientist specializing in air pollution, discusses the root causes of the crisis, the effectiveness of current measures, and what the future holds for Bangkok’s air quality. Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Maria Hernandez, leads the conversation.
the Rising PM2.5 Levels: A Growing Concern
maria Hernandez: Dr. Wongwat, Bangkok’s PM2.5 levels have been consistently worse than previous days. What factors are contributing to this alarming rise?
Dr. Somchai Wongwat: The primary cause is agricultural burning, particularly in regions like Nakhon Nayok province. Farmers frequently enough burn rice stumps due to a lack of viable alternatives,and this practice releases meaningful particulate matter into the atmosphere. Additionally, whether conditions such as low wind speed and temperature inversions trap pollutants over the city, exacerbating the problem.
Low Emission Zones: Are They Effective?
Maria Hernandez: Bangkok has introduced low emission zones to restrict non-green registered six-wheel trucks. How effective are these measures in reducing pollution?
Dr. Somchai Wongwat: The low emission zones are a step in the right direction. Since their enforcement began on January 23, 2018, 305 non-compliant vehicles have been fined, which shows some level of deterrence. However, the impact on overall PM2.5 levels has been limited. These zones target only a fraction of the pollution sources, and more extensive measures are needed to address the root causes.
Penalties and Enforcement: Do They Go Far Enough?
Maria Hernandez: Critics argue that the penalties, including fines up to 2,000 baht and imprisonment not exceeding one month, are too lenient. What’s your viewpoint on this?
Dr. Somchai Wongwat: While the penalties serve as a deterrent, they are indeed relatively mild compared to the severity of the issue. Strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties could encourage greater compliance, especially among those contributing to agricultural burning. However, penalties alone are not enough. We need to provide farmers with enduring alternatives to burning.
School Closures: Protecting the Vulnerable
Maria Hernandez: The closure of 352 schools under Bangkok’s jurisdiction highlights the severity of the air quality crisis. What measures can be taken to protect vulnerable groups like children?
Dr. Somchai Wongwat: School closures are a necessary but short-term solution. In the long term, we need to invest in air purification systems for schools and public spaces. Additionally, educating parents and students about protective measures, such as wearing high-quality masks and limiting outdoor activities, is crucial. Collaboration between local agencies and communities is essential to safeguard public health.
Looking Ahead: Predictions and Solutions
Maria Hernandez: The governor predicts better ventilation by January 27-28. Do you agree with this forecast, and what long-term solutions should Bangkok prioritize?
Dr. Somchai Wongwat: The prediction of improved ventilation is reasonable,as weather patterns are expected to change,dispersing pollutants more effectively. however, relying on natural ventilation is not a sustainable solution. Bangkok must focus on reducing emissions at the source. This includes stricter regulations on agricultural burning, promoting sustainable farming practices, and incentivizing the use of cleaner technologies in transportation and industry.
Conclusion
Bangkok’s PM2.5 crisis is a complex issue requiring immediate and long-term solutions.As Dr. Somchai Wongwat highlights, addressing agricultural burning, strengthening enforcement, and protecting vulnerable populations are critical steps. While better ventilation may provide temporary relief, sustained efforts are essential to ensure cleaner air for the city’s residents. stay informed and take precautions by visiting the bangkok Air Quality Details Centre for real-time updates.