PM2.5 pollution rises for fifth day amid illegal agricultural fires

2026-02-07 - 12:06

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 7 February 2026, PM2.5 pollution across northeastern Thailand continued to worsen for a fifth consecutive day as authorities reported daily illegal agricultural burning, with satellite data showing multiple fire hotspots despite air quality in some areas remaining within official limits. Mr. Montri Kiatphaophan, Director of the regional office, said authorities have detected repeated illegal burning of rice stubble and agricultural waste across four provinces under its jurisdiction — Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram and Surin. The burning is being carried out to clear land for new planting cycles, as well as through open fires that have triggered wildfires and widespread smoke, worsening air pollution. Air quality data from the Air4Thai application, measured at 12:00, showed that air quality across the northeastern region ranged from good to beginning to affect health. Several provinces recorded PM2.5 levels exceeding safety standards, largely due to daily illegal burning. In Nakhon Ratchasima, readings from the air quality monitoring station in Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, recorded an AQI of 87, placing air quality in the moderate (yellow) category. While the general public can continue normal activities, PM2.5 levels at 12:00 measured 34.1 micrograms per cubic metre, below the safety threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre. Despite remaining within standards, authorities advised residents to take precautions, particularly those in high-risk groups. The public is urged to limit outdoor activities, wear PM2.5 protective masks when leaving buildings, avoid strenuous outdoor exercise, and follow medical advice. PM2.5 levels in urban Nakhon Ratchasima have risen steadily since 3 February. Area map showing affected areas, original image from GISTDA. 2.26 million rai = 3,616 square km affected by fires Satellite analysis from GISTDA, Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, detected nine hotspots in Nakhon Ratchasima on 6 February, mostly in agricultural areas. Several fires spread across wide areas, generating large volumes of smoke. Provincial authorities have instructed district officials to remain on alert and immediately investigate any burning incidents, with offenders to be prosecuted under the law. GISTDA data covering 1–31 January 2026 also showed that cumulative burned areas nationwide reached 3,616 square kilometers, directly linked to PM2.5 pollution across multiple regions. Spatial analysis found hotspots concentrated primarily in the central and northeastern regions, reflecting the recurring practice of agricultural burning early in the year. The majority of burned land was agricultural, followed by land reform areas, national reserved forests, community and other areas, conservation forests, and roadside areas.