2025-01-28
Air quality in Bangkok has improved slightly in recent days, thanks to cool winds from China that have temporarily helped reduce the concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air. Many areas have reported a shift to the yellow category, indicating “moderate” air quality, according to the latest measurements. But experts warn that this is only a temporary relief and that the PM2.5 problem is expected to return when weather conditions change.
The government has tried to address the problem with measures such as free public transport, including buses and trains, costing the state 140 million baht. However, the initiative has faced criticism on social media, with many questioning whether it is a cost-effective solution to reducing air pollution.
See this week's forecast for air quality and weather
For a detailed overview of the air quality and weather forecast for this week, visit our latest article: Thailand: Air quality and weather – week 05-2025
New weekend forecast comes on Thursday
We'll update with a new forecast on Thursday covering the weekend's conditions and helping you plan outdoor activities considering air pollution levels.
Why does Thailand's air quality vary so greatly?
Thailand's air quality is affected by several factors, including:
Agricultural burning: During the dry season, farmers often burn fields to prepare for the next growing season, generating large amounts of PM2.5 particles.
Industrial emissions: Factories and heavy industry contribute to high levels of air pollution, especially near urban areas.
Weather conditions: During some periods, cold winds from northern Asia can lead to improved air quality by blowing away pollutants. During other periods, especially with low winds and high humidity, particles tend to remain in the atmosphere.
Regional contributions to air pollution
Thailand is also affected by air pollution from neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, especially in border areas and during the dry season.
Agricultural burning is a major source of transboundary smoke problems, as farmers in neighboring countries use the same method as in Thailand to clear land for the growing season. Forest fires in neighboring countries during the dry season also contribute to large amounts of smoke being transported into Thailand by the wind.
Industrial emissions from factories and industry near the borders can affect air quality, especially when wind patterns carry the pollutants into Thailand.
To reduce the impact of transboundary pollution, Thailand is working on regional initiatives through ASEAN. These include cooperation agreements to reduce agricultural burning and improve air pollution monitoring.
The authorities' long-term measures
To address the underlying causes, the Thai government has implemented and is planning the following measures:
- Regulations against agricultural burning, where farmers are encouraged to use machinery to manage residue instead of burning it. Subsidies and financial incentives have been introduced to make this transition possible.
- Cleaner energy through investments in renewable energy and programs to phase out the use of coal as part of the country's climate goals.
- The transport policy includes an expansion of Bangkok's public transport to reduce the use of private vehicles and thereby traffic emissions.
- Expanded monitoring through more stations to measure air pollution and daily updates on air quality to increase awareness.
Despite the progress, the challenges remain, and both political leadership and citizen engagement are needed to address the problem. However, Thailand has taken the first steps towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Stay informed and protect your health.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: andreas-brucker, Unsplash, original image