National —
On January 24th, 2025, Dr. Thanin Wechapinan, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, warned that children are particularly vulnerable to PM2.5 air pollution due to their weaker immune systems and tendency to play outdoors.
Short-term exposure can cause respiratory inflammation, nosebleeds, coughing with phlegm, and skin or eye irritation. Severe cases may lead to infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Parents are advised to perform first aid for nosebleeds, including tilting the head slightly forward, applying gentle pressure to the nose for at least 10 minutes, and using a cold compress. If bleeding persists beyond 30 minutes, medical attention is necessary.
Read our latest article about PM2.5 air pollution crisis in Thailand here.
Dr. Thiti Saengtham, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, shared insights from a survey conducted between January 1st and 23rd, 2025, involving 668 participants.
While 35.8% planned to engage in traditional activities like visiting temples and honoring ancestors during Chinese New Year, 13.3% admitted to burning incense, and 10.5% planned to burn paper offerings. These activities contribute significantly to air pollution.
Most respondents said they would mitigate dust exposure by wearing masks (67.9%) and avoiding pollutive activities such as burning incense or paper offerings (45.9%).
Thai authorities are encouraging the use of alternatives like electric incense or shorter-burning sticks and recommend well-ventilated spaces for any necessary rituals. Temples and shrines are urged to move incense burners outdoors to reduce indoor pollution, and caution is advised to minimize the risks of fireworks and firecrackers.
