BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has stated that a recent rise in PM2.5 pollution across the capital was mainly due to a shift in wind direction and a large grass fire in Bang Khen district. Air quality readings reached the orange warning level in about 40 districts across the city.
Chadchart said winds changed around 10 p.m. last night (Mar 12) from the south, which normally carries cleaner air, to easterly winds that passed through areas with open burning before moving toward Bangkok. The effect was most visible in eastern districts such as Lat Krabang. He said the overnight increase in pollution was not linked to vehicle emissions, since traffic levels were relatively low at the time.
Authorities also reported a grass fire in the Khu Bon area of Bang Khen that burned more than 50 rai of land from evening until late at night. Firefighting operations were difficult because the area lacked fire hydrants, allowing smoke and particulate matter to accumulate and raise pollution levels.
City officials expect air quality to improve gradually as wind speeds and air circulation increase. Authorities will continue monitoring conditions for the next two to three days, as pollution may still rise during early morning hours due to stagnant nighttime air. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is also coordinating with nearby provinces, including Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, and Prachin Buri, to reduce open burning in surrounding areas. (NNT)
