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Image: Thick smog blurs the view of Bangkok’s skyline at 8am, seen from the Bang Kachao green area. (Photo: Prinya Muangarkas) |
In a scene that could easily be mistaken for the setting of a dystopian movie, Thursday morning dawned in the Land of Smiles with less than cheerful news. A veil of dense smog draped itself over Bangkok and no less than 53 out of 76 Thai provinces, turning what might have been a picturesque morning into a grey canvas of concern.
The culprit behind this murky embrace is none other than ultrafine dust, known to the science-savvy as particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5). The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), on bright alert, reported around 8am that these invisible specks had reached hazardous levels in many areas. Imagine breathing through a layer of fuzzy cotton every time you take a breath—that’s the air quality scene in Bangkok and its neighbors right now.
The figures, astonishing and unsettling, reveal that Bangkok found itself in the red zone, a not-so-complimentary classification meaning ‘hazardous to health.’ The city recorded PM2.5 levels striking upwards of 103.7 micrograms per cubic meter—nearly three times the government-approved safety threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter! Leading the hit parade, Trat province hit a dizzying 112.4, catapulted to the top not in a good way.
Alongside Bangkok, other provinces like Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao lined up in a grim procession of polluted lungs. A motley crew of 22 provinces shared similar fates with names like Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Ayutthaya joining this less-than-illustrious gallery of red levels.
For those escaping the red, there’s a glimmer of semi-bright orange caution. Twenty-six provinces, stretching from the flavorful street foods of Khon Kaen to the sandy shores of Phuket, donned the orange badge, signaling that while it’s not yet an emergency, precautions are wise. Here, PM2.5 danced between the lines of 39.7 to 74.6 micrograms per cubic meter.
But wait, there’s a silver lining nestled within this cloud of dust! While many in the kingdom woke to stifling skies, residents of Amnat Charoen enjoyed the rare accolade of ‘very good’ air quality. And eight other provinces, including Chiang Mai with its verdant mountains and Ranong’s rainforests, boasted ‘good’ air quality. A breath of fresh, clean air never felt so refreshing, figuratively and literally.
All jokes aside, the situation demands attention and action as the rising dust particles pose severe health risks. Those with sensitive constitutions, children, and the elderly should keep their adventures indoors and mask up when outside. The question lingering in the day’s haze is what measures will follow to curb this percolating problem. For now, the skies of Bangkok and its sister provinces wear their grey duvets—a reminder that beneath the sun-soaked tropics lies an environmental challenge demanding a mindful approach.
It’s insane that Thailand’s air quality has gotten this bad. When I visited Bangkok last year, the smog was already noticeable, but it seems to be worsening every year.
I agree! The government needs to do something about vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.
Absolutely. Maybe stricter regulations on cars and factories could help.
Blame the farmers who burn crops. They’re a huge part of the problem.
It’s unfair to just blame farmers. They use burning because it’s cheap and they aren’t given alternative methods by the government.
True, but there must be some sustainable methods that are also affordable. It’s time for some innovation!
I agree with Lila. There’s a need for sustainable agricultural practices.
This is why I never visit Bangkok. Can’t understand why people vacation in smog-filled cities.
Bangkok has so much to offer despite the smog! Culture, food, markets—it’s an amazing experience.
Maybe, but clean air is non-negotiable for me. Health comes first.
I travel there regularly and just wear a mask when needed. The city’s energy is worth it.
When will governments learn that environmental issues need immediate action, not bureaucratic delays?
Politicians often ignore long-term solutions for short-term gains. It’s frustrating.
Perhaps the public needs to push harder to be heard. Protests and advocacy can make a difference.
This isn’t new. Many big cities face similar issues; it’s a global problem caused by rapid industrialization.
Well, with technology today, there should be solutions. We just need to invest in them and adopt globally.
Good point, but how do you balance economic growth and environmental protection?
Why don’t these countries switch to renewable energy? It would reduce pollution massively.
Switching is easier said than done. It’s costly and requires infrastructure that some countries lack.
I get that, but investing in renewable energy will pay off in the long run—both economically and for health.
Some scientists claim air pollution doesn’t affect health as much as people think. It feels like an exaggeration sometimes.
That’s misleading. Numerous studies show the tangible health impacts of PM2.5 including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Makes me appreciate where I live even more. Clean air should never be taken for granted.
The inconsistency in air quality across provinces is surprising. Why can’t everybody enjoy clean air like Amnat Charoen?
Different levels of industrialization and population density. Some places are just luckier geographically.
With this level of pollution, I’d be worried about exercising outdoors. Mask up if you do!
Or just stick to the gym. No need to risk it outdoors.