Pollution levels up in Bangkok, 31 provinces
The air quality in Bangkok and 31 provinces hit unsafe levels on Friday morning, according to the Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation.
Thailand’s standard for safe levels of PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) is 50 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3), higher than the World Health Organisation's 25μg/m3.
Apart from Bangkok, 31 provinces where the air quality exceeded the standard were: Chiang Rai, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Roi Et, Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram.
PM2.5 readings as of Friday morning:
North: 44 to 211μg/m3.
Northeast: 53 to 162μg/m3.
Central region and West: 20 to 57μg/m3.
East: 20 to 43μg/m3.
South: 18 to 43μg/m3.
Bangkok and its vicinity: 27 to 55μg/m3.
Meanwhile, Bangkok Air Quality and Noise Management Division said that air quality had hit unsafe levels in two Bangkok districts -- Din Daeng (53 μg/m3) and Wang Thonglang (55 μg/m3).
The PM2.5 situation can be followed on Air4Thai.com and bangkokairquality.com websites, or via Air4Thai and AirBKK smartphone applications.