Minimise outdoor activities, say authorities, as air quality continues to be unsafe in many areas
The authority has suggested that people avoid outdoor activities and closely monitor the dust situation, as the air quality in many areas of Thailand are still below acceptable standards.
In Bangkok and Metropolitan region, the air quality varies from good to unsafe. Particulate matter less than 2.5 micrograms per cubic metre (PM2.5) averaged 27-66mcg per cubic metre in over 50 areas, exceeding the 50mcg per cubic metre air quality standard of the department. Among the area where the reading exceeded safe levels were: Kanchanaphisek Road and Din Daeng Road, Muang district in Nakhon Pathom province, Pak Kret in Nonthaburi province, Phra Pradaeng and Pak Nam in Samut Prakan province, Krathum Baen and Muang in Samut Sakhon.
The air quality in the Central and western region has started to affect health. PM2.5 averaged 53-84mcg per cubic metre in over 50 areas. The provinces where readings exceeded safe levels were some districts in Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, and Suphan Buri provinces.
PM10 was detected at between 87-124mcg per cubic metre, exceeds the standard at Pak Nam Pho subdistrict in Nakhon Sawan province.
The air quality in the North varied from very good to unsafe for health. PM2.5 averaged 17-88mcg per cubic metre in over 50 areas in Lampang, Lamphun, and Phrae provinces.
The air quality in the Northeast was found to be moderately good to unsafe. PM2.5 averaged 47-53mcg per cubic metre in over 50 areas in some districts of Nakhon Ratchasima and Loei provinces.
The air quality in the Eastern was similar to the Northeast. PM2.5 averaged 16-67 mcg per cubic metre in over 50 areas, in some districts of Prachin Buri province.
The air quality in the South was found to be uniformly good.