PM orders immediate action to address haze in Bangkok

Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered authorities immediately to activate prepared measures to mitigate the haze, which has returned to Bangkok and its suburbs.

Expressing concern about the haze, especially the PM2.5 dust particles, the Prime Minister pleaded with construction site operators and industries in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces to reduce their dust emissions.

He also advised people in high risk areas to wear face masks whey they are outdoors.

The Pollution Control Department today (Monday) reported that 13 areas in Bangkok, two in Nonthaburi province, one in Pathum Thai, five in Samut Prakan, two in Samut Sakhon and one in Nakhon Pathom have excessive levels of PM2.5 dust particles.

Affected areas in Bangkok include:

Tambon Hirunrujee in Thon Buri district, 44 microns

Both sides of Kanchanapisek road in Bang Khun Thian district, 61 microns

Tambon Bang Na in Bang Na district, 42 microns

Tambon Klongchan, Bang Kapi district, 43 microns

Tambon Din Daeng, Din Daeng district, 43 microns

Tambon Chong Nonsee, Yan Nawa district, 43 microns

Rama IV road, Pathumwan district, 53 microns

Intharapitak road in Thon Buri district, 56 microns

Lat Phrao road in Wang Thong Lang district, 51 microns

Din Daeng road in Din Daeng district, 56 microns

Tambon Phya Thai in Phya Thai district, 46 microns

Tambon Plabpla, Wang Thong Lang district 50 microns

PM2.5 particulate above 50 microns is considered a health threat.

Mr. Thara Buakamsri, director of Greenpeace South-eastern office, said that most of the measures to deal with the haze, and especially PM2.5 particulate, are only on paper or under discussion, adding that the Pollution Control Department’s 19 air quality monitoring stations, and the City Hall’s monitoring devices based in all districts of Bangkok, are not enough to provide much needed real-time readings for the public.

He also suggested that the safety threshold of PM2.5 dust particles should be reduced to 35 microns, from 50 microns, and the average annual safety threshold should be cut to 12 microns.