BANGKOK, Feb 15 (TNA) – The haze situation remains concerning as Bangkok ranks among the top 10 major cities globally with the worst pollution.
Across the country, air pollution exceeds standards in 56 provinces.
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s air quality data, as of 7:00 a.m. today (February 15), the PM2.5 level ranged from 53.3 to 87.5 micrograms per cubic meter, with an average of 69.1 micrograms per cubic meter, showing a decreasing trend compared to the same period yesterday.
However, it still exceeds the safety threshold in 65 areas. The PM 2.5 levels are marked in red, indicating hazardous levels affecting health in 13 areas and beginning to impact health 52 areas.
The five areas with the highest PM2.5 levels are: Thawi Watthana District (87.5), Prawet District (80.2), Bang Rak District (79.7), Taling Chan District (79.2), and Bangkok Noi District (79.0) micrograms per cubic meter.
According to IQAIR’s rankings, Bangkok also ranks among the top 10 major cities globally with the highest pollution levels. At certain times, it even climbed to 9th place. At 11:00 a.m., the air quality index (AQI) stood at 156 according to U.S. standards, with PM2.5 concentration at 67.7 micrograms per cubic meter, marked as red, impacting everyone, and 13.5 times higher than the annual average guideline set by the World Health Organization.
Regarding nationwide pollution, the Air Pollution Solution Communication Center reported that as of 7:00 a.m., PM2.5 levels exceeded standards in 56 provinces, spanning all regions except the South. The Northern region recorded levels between 19.1 and 89.2 micrograms per cubic meter, the Northeastern region between 28.3 and 74.4, the Central and Western regions between 47.0 and 105.0, and the Eastern region between 48.3 and 84.8. However, the Southern region’s overall levels remained within good standards, ranging between 14.0 and 25.9.
In terms of monitoring systems, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), along with various agencies, reported the top 10 provinces with the highest PM2.5 levels as of 10:00 a.m., including Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Lopburi, Kanchanaburi, Ang Thong, Chai Nat, Nakhon Pathom, and Phrae. -819 (TNA)