2025-01-09
January 9 2025
Air quality varies greatly between different parts of Thailand this week. While Phuket continues to have relatively clean air, Chiang Rai is experiencing deteriorating conditions, especially for sensitive groups. Here is a summary of the forecast for the coming days.
Chiang Rai: Degraded air quality and worse outlook
Chiang Rai currently has one of the highest air pollution levels in the country, and the forecast points to continued bad conditions over the weekend.
- Friday 10 January: AQI 89 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups, highest temperature 27°C, lowest 14°C.
- Saturday 11 January: AQI 90 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups, highest temperature 26°C, lowest 14°C.
- Sunday 12 January: AQI 79 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 25°C, lowest 14°C.
Analysis:
Air pollution in Chiang Rai is mainly linked to seasonal dry weather and fires in surrounding areas. The PM2.5 levels are 9,2 times higher than the WHO limit value, which means that children, the elderly and people with breathing problems should avoid longer stays outdoors.
Bangkok: Air pollution on the rise
Bangkok has moderate air conditions at the moment, but deterioration is expected over the weekend.
- Friday 10 January: AQI 74 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 32°C, lowest 25°C.
- Saturday 11 January: AQI 90 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups, highest temperature 30°C, lowest 21°C.
- Sunday 12 January: AQI 97 – Unhealthy for sensitive groups, highest temperature 28°C, lowest 19°C.
Analysis:
Air quality in Bangkok is affected by traffic, industrial emissions and weather conditions. During Saturday and Sunday, air pollution is expected to reach levels that are harmful to sensitive groups, which means that people with asthma and other respiratory problems should be careful.
Phuket: Still good air quality
Phuket has it best air quality of the three cities and is well below the WHO limit values for health risks.
- Friday 10 January: AQI 81 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 29°C, lowest 25°C.
- Saturday 11 January: AQI 70 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 29°C, lowest 25°C.
- Sunday 12 January: AQI 71 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 28°C, lowest 25°C.
Analysis:
Phuket benefits from strong sea winds which helps to keep pollution at a low level. Although air pollution is slightly higher than normal, there are no acute health risks for residents and tourists.
Summary and recommendations
- Chiang Rai has the worst air quality this week and residents should minimize outdoor time.
- Bangkok experience one deterioration of air quality, especially on Sunday.
- Phuket has it best air quality, but some increase in PM2.5 is observed.
Recommended actions:
✔ People in Chiang Rai and Bangkok should use face mask outdoors and avoid exercising outdoors.
✔ In Bangkok, air pollution can be highest during the morning and evening – keep windows closed during these times.
✔ In Phuket, the air quality is good, but it's always good to keep an eye on the forecast.
Source: IQ Air
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: jplenio, Pixabay, original image