Air quality in Bangkok is still poor, but better than yesterday

Bangkok remains stifled by health-threatening PM2.5 airborne pollution, but the situation is marginally better than yesterday, when 44 out of the capital’s 50 districts suffered with PM2.5 exceeding 100 microns (µg/m³).

The average amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere today is estimated at 58.9µg/m³.

Today’s worst affected districts are:

1. Nong Khaem, 93.8µg/m³

2. Sai Mai, 76.2µg/m³

3. Thawi Wattana, 73.6µg/m³

4. Phasi Charoen, 71.7µg/m³

5. Bang Khun Thian, 71.5µg/m³

Meanwhile, Dr. Wantanee Wattana, permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, said today that 11 city-run schools suspended classes for three days on Monday, while 10 others suspended classes yesterday and today due to the worsening air pollution.

For those schools remaining open, she said that their managements have been told to monitor the air quality closely and to make a dust-free room available to students.

School managements were also given the authority to decide whether to suspend classes if PM2.5 in the capital reaches the Red level for three consecutive days.

Some parents have adapted to the air pollution situation by providing their children with two face masks when they go to school each day, so the masks can be used alternately throughout the day.