BANGKOK, Thailand – Governor Chadchart Sittipunt monitored PM2.5 air pollution levels as the week began, noting that strong winds have reduced dust levels as forecast. Schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have resumed normal operations.
Speaking from the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center in Din Daeng district, Governor Chadchart explained that strong easterly and northeasterly winds had dispersed the accumulated PM2.5 particles, leading to an improvement in air quality. No areas registered red-level pollution, with most zones falling into the yellow or orange categories, as anticipated last week.
All 437 BMA-affiliated schools are open, but officials remain vigilant. The governor warned that air quality is expected to deteriorate again on Jan 29-30, as agricultural burning in neighboring countries continues, posing a risk depending on wind direction.
Governor Chadchart encouraged residents to monitor air quality using the Air BKK application, which provides both 24-hour average PM2.5 levels and hourly updates. The focus on 24-hour averages aims to offer a more stable standard for reporting.
Additionally, BMA teams will continue unannounced inspections of black smoke emissions from public buses. Although BMA has conducted inspections six days a week year-round, legal limitations restrict enforcement actions. The BMA can only inspect vehicles with four wheels or fewer and issue stickers requiring repairs within 30 days for violators. Further action requires collaboration with the Department of Land Transport, as the BMA lacks authority over larger vehicles. (TNA)
