Latest news Extreme smog in Thailand: schools closed
Scratchy throat, burning eyes: anyone who spends time on the streets of Bangkok these days is putting their health at risk. Since the beginning of the year, particulate matter levels in Thailand's capital and many other parts of the country have regularly been in the red and therefore dangerous range. The population is advised to stay mainly indoors, wear masks outdoors, keep the windows closed and use air purifiers.
22.01.2025, 09:53
SDA
This morning, the city administration ordered the closure of more than 50 schools in the metropolis of millions as a precautionary measure. The Swiss company IQAir wrote that PM2.5 air pollution is currently 13.3 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value.
High health burden
PM stands for Particulate Matter and is divided into three categories, depending on the size of the fine dust particles. PM10 describes visible particles, PM2.5 fine particles and PM1 ultra-fine particles. According to Germany's Environment Ministry, PM2.5 is responsible for a large proportion of the burden of disease caused by particulate matter.
Heavy car traffic and the use of fossil fuels are considered to be the cause of the smog, which has been a recurring problem for years. There are also numerous factories around Bangkok.
More than half of all provinces are affected
The authorities recently asked vehicle owners to replace air filters and change engine oil. The authorities are also encouraging people to work from home so that as few people as possible use their vehicles. The dangerous levels are expected to continue until at least February.
Many other parts of Thailand were also affected and reported dense smog. Air quality was in the red zone in 46 of Thailand's 77 provinces. Only ten provinces recorded average to good air quality levels, including the popular tourist islands of Phuket and Koh Samui.
