PUBLISHED: 3 February 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
In 30 provinces, including Bangkok, the concentrations of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns ( PM2.5 ) are still high, and schools all over the country are restricting outdoor activities out of concern for their students ‘ health.
The fine particle level in many northeastern and central provinces exceeded the safe limit of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter ( g/m3 ), according to a report from the pollution control department’s (PCD ) Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation at 7 am yesterday.
Ten northeastern provinces were found to have red-coded ( seriously harmful ) pollution levels, according to the Geo- Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency’s ( Gistda ) Check Foon ( dust checker ) app.
Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Roi Et, Si Sa Ket, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Surin and Nakhon Phanom are the regions.
Ten districts in Bangkok, according to the city’s Air Quality Information Center, have dust levels that are orange-coded: Nong Chok ( 45.1 g/m3 ), Wang Thong Lang ( 44.6), Bung Kum ( 44.4), Lat Krabang ( 41 ), Klong Sam Wa ( 40.7 ), Sai Mai ( 40.5 ), Chatuchak ( 39.9 ), Prawet ( 38.1 ), and Bang Khen ( 30.8 ).
According to Karom Polpornklang, a Deputy Government Spokesman, the Office of Basic Education Commission ( Obec) has been instructed by the Education Ministry to notify each Educational Service Area Office to halt any outdoor activities in the event that the area’s fine dust reaches an orange or red-coded level.
Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, announced that he would contact Hun Manet, his counterpart in Cambodia, to find a solution before the latter’s formal visit on Wednesday due to the pollution concerns.
The source added that burnt rice grass in the Kong city of Nakhon Ratchsima has also contributed to the problem, adding that dust from Cambodia has exacerbated sand waste in some areas of the provinces of Sa Keao, Prachin Buri, and North Nayok.
Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the lieutenant leading and minister of Natural Resources and Environment, announced that he had given the PCD the go-ahead to collaborate with the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation to begin rain-making activities.