In recent times, Thailand has become something of a grim hotspot for dangerously high PM 2.5 levels, with IQAir’s latest reports painting an alarming picture of the air quality. As of the wee hours of January 23, the global watchdog revealed real-time data, chartering the ten most polluted districts and cities across the country. Topping this list of troubled areas is the Mueang Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality, boasting a US Air Quality Index (AQI) of a staggering 199. Close behind are Khlong Luang and Lam Luk Ka Districts in Pathum Thani, recording US AQIs of 187 and 186, respectively, followed by Nakhon Chai Si District in Nakhon Pathom and Rayong Province, sharing a US AQI of 185. Moving further down the list, Pattaya in Chon Buri clocks a US AQI of 182, as reported by KhaoSod. Adding to the mix of areas grappling with substantial pollution are Khon Kaen Province, Lam Plai Mat District in Buri Ram, and Thawi Watthana District in Bangkok, each capturing a US AQI measure of 181. Completing this unenviable roll call is Samut Sakhon Province, rounding the list with a US AQI of 180.
But it gets worse. On January 20, Bangkok and a whopping 64 of Thailand’s 76 provinces clashed with unsafe PM 2.5 dust pollution levels. A harsh 28 of these provinces encountered hazardous red-grade pollution levels, the worst of which was found in Samut Sakhon. According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), by 9 a.m., PM 2.5 levels spiked dangerously across 28 provinces, with measurements ranging between 75.3 and 133.1 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) over 24 hours. This is considerably above the government’s safety threshold of 37.5 µg/m³. The most severe PM 2.5 level was recorded in Samut Sakhon, at a shocking 133.1 µg/m³, while Nakhon Pathom followed with 115.3. Scores like 107.6 in Sing Buri, 98.7 in Ang Thong, and 98.1 in Nonthaburi further highlight the critical situation. Other provinces such as Chai Nat, Pathum Thani, and Ayutthaya also reflected alarmingly high readings. And let’s not forget the red-zone provinces: Lop Buri, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Bangkok, Suphan Buri, Saraburi, Phetchaburi, Loei, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Phichit, Kanchanaburi, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nakhon Sawan, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kamphaeng Phet, and Maha Sarakham.
Amidst this smoggy backdrop, the latest news from Thailand unfolds like a gripping movie plot. In one shocking case, a van carrying Chinese tourists overturned in the bustling Pattaya area, throwing traffic into chaos. Meanwhile, a revenue officer in Udon Thani found themselves under scrutiny for livestreaming while clocked on at work – perhaps a new-age way to double up on productivity?
In the realm of crime, Chiang Mai police made headlines by nabbing a foreigner peddling psilocybin mushrooms. Over in Pattaya, a Turkish tourist fell victim to theft, robbed of 70k baht by a transgender individual. Buriram authorities found themselves dealing with illicit cigarette seizures causing a 42 million baht loss, whereas a trio of orangutans bound for Bangkok were saved in a smuggling bust.
Equally riveting is the story of the Myanmar migrants’ smuggling ring being dismantled in Ayutthaya, showcasing law enforcement’s hard stance on illegal activities. On a brighter note, Bangkok has been busy strengthening ties through its port collaboration with Yokohama, and history was made with Thailand’s first LGBTQ+ couple officially registering their marriage. In a stroke of luck, a Thai man hit the jackpot, winning nearly 100 million baht courtesy of the Korean lottery. Amidst these diverse stories, the air quality crisis looms large, a testament to the challenges Thailand faces as it confronts its pollution woes amid the backdrop of its vibrant tapestry of news.
The air quality in Thailand is truly alarming. How can the government allow it to get this bad?
It’s not just the government’s responsibility. Industrial pollution is a big part of the problem and corporations need to step up too.
True. But if the government enforced stricter regulations, corporations would have no choice but to comply.
People need to stop using cars so much, public transit should be prioritized!
Cars are indeed part of it, but let’s not forget the burning of crops contributing to the PM 2.5 levels.
It’s sad to see tourists impacted by this. Traveling is supposed to be a fun escape, not a health risk.
Tourism depends on a healthy environment too. If this continues, Thailand will lose visitors.
Right? It’s sad how environmental issues affect the economy in so many hidden ways.
Unrealistically high pollution levels should be tackled with immediate bans on certain industrial activities.
Totally agree. But banning could harm workers. We need a balanced approach.
A gradual shift with alternative jobs in greener industries would be ideal.
Governments won’t sacrifice economic growth for clean air, unfortunately.
Given the recent accidents, I’m second-guessing my plans to visit Thailand.
While it’s concerning, bad things happen everywhere. Don’t let it stop you from experiencing a great culture.
Health should be a priority, but it never feels like this when bad policies persist.
Unfortunately, you’re right. Political interests often outweigh the health of citizens.
Doesn’t the government have penalties for companies that pollute? Seems like they could be doing more.
There are penalties, but enforcement is often weak or corrupt.
This makes me wonder about the effect on local fauna and flora. The impact must be devastating.
You hit the nail on the head. It’s a human-made disaster affecting all life forms.
Right. It’s such a complex issue, affecting every facet of the ecosystem.
Does anyone know if wearing masks really helps with PM 2.5 levels?
Masks can help filter particles, but only N95 or similar masks. Regular masks aren’t effective against PM 2.5.
Thanks for the info, Dr. Lewis. I’ll make sure to get the right kind.
The fact that police are busy with crime amidst this pollution crisis is ridiculous. Priorities, people!
It’s true there’s a lot to manage, but crime prevention remains crucial to maintaining civic order.
I’m saddened by the report on LGBTQ+ rights progression being overshadowed by the pollution crisis.
It is indeed a crucial development and deserves more attention amid all the chaos.
Interesting mix of news stories. Thailand seems like a fascinating yet challenging place right now.