PUBLISHED: 21 Jan 2025 at 10:22
Illegal levels of fine dust were reported in 70 of the 76 regions on Tuesday, with the worst weather pollution detected in Greater Bangkok.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency ( Gistda ) reported at 7am that particulate matter 2. 5 micrometres and less in size ( PM2. 5 ) was at red ( hazardous-to-health ) levels in 27 provinces, mostly in the middle of the country.
The highest levels of PM2. 5 recorded over the preceding 24 hrs was 144. 8 microgrammes per square inch of heat.
It was measured in Samut Sakhon state, north of Bangkok, followed by 125. 1µg/m ³ in Bangkok city, 119. 3µg/m ³ in Nakhon Pathom, 116. 3 in Nonthaburi, 115. 3 in Samut Prakan, 109. 4 in Samut Songkhram, 108. 4 in Pathum Thani, 107. 7 in Sing Buri, 106. 4 in Ratchaburi, 104. 8 in Ayutthaya, 103 in Sukhothai and 101. 2 in Ang Thong.
Fifteen different regions were at two-digit purple levels of PM2. 5, ranging from 75. 4 to 95 µg/m³.
In descending attempt, they were Lop Buri, Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Rayong, Chai Nat, Chachoengsao, Kanchanaburi, Sa Kaeo, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The government-set secure level is 37. 5µg/m³.
Healthy surroundings was reported in seven counties. Three of them- Phangnga ( 32. 2µg/m³ ), Surat Thani ( 32. 1 ) and Chumphon ( 29. 7 ) – had mild air quality.
Four people had great atmosphere quality- Krabi ( 24. 9 ), Chiang Rai ( 24. 6), Chiang Mai ( 21. 4 ) and Mae Hong Son ( 12. 4).
Forty-three other provinces faced orange levels ( starting to affect health ) of PM2. 5 ranging from 37. 7 to 75µg/m³.