National —
Bangkok is struggling with a severe air pollution crisis, with PM 2.5 levels exceeding international standards and ranking the city seventh worst globally for poor air quality.
On February 14th, 2024, IQAir, an air quality monitoring platform, reported Bangkok’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 174, classifying it as “unhealthy for everyone.” This alarming level placed the city seventh globally for poor air quality, raising concerns for both residents and visitors.
The air quality crisis isn’t limited to Bangkok. Chiang Mai, another major Thai city, also found itself on the list, ranking 20th with an AQI of 116, impacting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Official data from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) revealed that PM 2.5 levels across the city ranged from 54.3 to 82.9 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly exceeding the safe 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter threshold.
67 areas in Bangkok were categorized as “red-level,” indicating a direct health impact. Additionally, 17 areas surpassed the even more hazardous level of 75.1 micrograms per cubic meter, while 50 areas reached the “orange” level, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Due to the worsening air, the BMA on Thursday issued an announcement urging state agencies and private organizations to allow their staff to work from home Thursday and Friday.
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