Bangkok past PM2.5 crisis stage, pollution agency says

2026-03-11 - 07:44

BANGKOK — 11 March 2026, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department says Bangkok has passed the worst of its PM2.5 pollution crisis, with air quality improving overall compared with last year, though occasional spikes above safety standards are still possible during the seasonal transition. Pollution Control Department director-general Surin Warakitthamrong said on Wednesday that air quality in the capital has begun to ease after a severe pollution period earlier in the season. He said the situation has improved compared with the previous year, following intensified measures by government agencies under policies set by Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, who also chairs the national air pollution management committee. Pollution Control Department director-general Surin Warakitthamrong Authorities have instructed all agencies to step up coordinated efforts under the 2026 wildfire, haze and dust response plan. Data from PCD monitoring stations show that PM2.5 levels in Bangkok improved overall when comparing two periods: 1 November 2024 – 8 March 2025 1 November 2025 – 8 March 2026 Average PM2.5 concentrations in the capital fell from 33 micrograms per cubic metre to 28, a 15% decrease. The number of days exceeding Thailand’s air quality standard dropped from 65 days to 29 days, a 55% reduction. Across Bangkok and surrounding provinces, average PM2.5 levels also declined — from 35 to 31 micrograms per cubic metre, an 11% decrease. However, the number of days exceeding the standard rose slightly from 97 to 99 days. Mr. Surin said multiple sectors — including government agencies, private networks and civil society groups — have stepped up efforts to tackle the problem. The Measures tightening the vehicle smoke opacity limit to no more than 20%, stricter enforcement against black-smoke emissions, incentives encouraging motorists to maintain vehicles through the Green List Plus anti-pollution programme, requiring high-risk factories in Bangkok to install continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), promoting the use of agricultural waste instead of open burning, weather modification operations, work-from-home measures, and public alerts through cell broadcast and Line warning systems. However, he warned that air pollution may still occasionally exceed standards. “This period marks a seasonal transition, with waves of cold air still moving into the region,” Mr. Surin said. “As a result, PM2.5 levels may still reach the orange level — which begins to affect health — on some days.” Residents can monitor real-time air quality updates through the Air4Thai and AirBKK applications, as well as the Air Pollution Communication Centre’s Facebook page, he added.