Unsafe levels of fine dust are forecast for the capital city from Tuesday to Friday due to flat air and comprehensive burn-off in Cambodia.
A high pressure systems through China would include the country and result in stagnant air which would result in the accumulation of dust contaminants that could reach dangerous levels from January 31-Feb 3, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Mon.
“There are more hotspots due to biomass burn-off within Cambodia. Northeasterly wind gusts are blowing the dust of burned biomass to the Gulf of Thailand yet on Feb one and 2 the particular wind direction will change. The easterly blowing wind will bring more biomass dust to Bangkok, ” Mr Chadchart said.
He advised individuals in the city to wear face masks whenever outdoors, but to try to avoid outdoor routines.
Through Tuesday to Fri, businesses and employees should work from home where possible, to avoid the pollution, the governor said.
The Geo-Informatics plus Space Technology Development Agency reported 771 hotspots in Thailand, 1, 996 in Cambodia, 683 within Laos, 647 in Myanmar, 384 within Vietnam and one within Malaylia on Sunday.