BMA explores new ways to curb harmful dust particles in city

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In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 5 Jan 2025 at 05: 08

Clean air concerns: A bird's-eye view of the dust-covered Bangkok from the Samut Prakan City Observatory on Saturday when the amount of PM2.5 in many provinces throughout the country was reported to exceed the standard. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Concerns with clear air: A bird ‘s-eye view of Bangkok, covered in dust, was captured on Saturday at the Samut Prakan City Observatory, where it was reported that PM2.5 levels in many regions across the nation were reported to reach the required level. ( Photo: Somchai Poomlard )

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is making more efforts to address the city’s dust problem, which is anticipated to continue at current high levels until the following month.

Bangkok’s governor Chadchart Sittipunt claimed on Saturday that discussions were held about making meteorological openings to separate damaging dust particles during his January 3 visit to the Hua Hin Royal Rainmaking Centre.

He stated that the project is supported by scientific studies and may require the assistance of PTT Plc, which will add 300 tons of dry snow for the operation.

He claimed that the BMA and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand have also reached an agreement that will allow royal allows aircraft to travel over internal Bangkok for the first time. Recently, rainmaking roads conflicted with aircraft pathways for Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi flights.

Recently, PM2.5 sand levels in Bangkok were measured at an average of 42.9 microgrammes per square metre, with air value reaching an peach level, indicating possible health risks.

The BMA will carefully monitor the situation, especially during the “dust time” in January and February.

More than 160, 000 vehicles have already been required to follow the steps to reduce the particles, including changing the oil and replacing the air filters. More than 10, 000 cars have registered under the natural car program, achieving goals, the government said.

The BMA even plans to promote work-from-home guidelines for 80, 000 people to decrease the use of cars during critical conditions.

” Without rainmaking activities, the sand problem would truly be worsened”, Mr Chadchart said. ” We must develop collaboration among different firms, especially with the Air Force, which is providing larger plane to help operations”.

” We emphasise medical approaches backed by research”, he added. ” Thailand’s issues may remain unique, requiring us to create our own tools and methods, similar to the late King Rama IX’s imperial effort to create rainmaking for Thais”.