BANGKOK, Thailand – Air quality in Bangkok improved to mostly green levels on Wednesday, with ventilation conditions expected to remain favorable throughout the week, according to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Data also show a sharp year-on-year improvement in PM2.5 levels, despite severe hotspots persisting in neighboring countries.
Governor Chadchart monitored the PM2.5 situation at the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center under the Environment Department in Din Daeng district, saying morning air quality was largely good, with green readings and some yellow zones. He noted that while ventilation today is lower than yesterday—possibly allowing some dust accumulation and yellow-to-orange levels in the afternoon and evening—conditions are expected to improve again from tomorrow and remain favorable for the rest of the week.
Domestic hotspots have declined significantly following a nationwide ban on agricultural burning from February 1 to March 31, 2026, enforced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. However, hotspots in neighboring countries remain severe. Fortunately, current wind directions are not carrying transboundary pollution into Bangkok.
Comparing PM2.5 data for 2026 with the same period in 2025, Bangkok’s air quality has improved markedly. In 2025, there were 22 days with orange-level PM2.5 readings exceeding the standard of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter, compared with 12 days in 2026—a 45% reduction. Average PM2.5 levels fell from 48.4 µg/m³ in 2025 to 37.6 µg/m³ in 2026, a 22% decrease. Hotspot numbers also dropped from 5,287 in 2025 to 3,163 in 2026, down 40%.
The Bangkok governor said February is shaping up to be another positive month for air quality, though conditions toward the end of the month will depend on wind patterns. If southern winds prevail, he believes the PM2.5 season could conclude early this year. He expressed confidence that continued cooperation across all sectors will further improve Bangkok’s air quality. (TNA)
