2025-03-20
This weekend is marked by a sharp deterioration in air quality in both Chiang Rai and Bangkok, with AQI reaching unhealthy levels. Chiang Rai is seeing the highest AQI readings in weeks. Meanwhile, high temperatures continue across the country. Phuket continues to see rain, which improves air quality there.
Chiang Rai: Severely deteriorated air and extreme heat
Friday: AQI 138 – Unhealthy air, highest temperature 33°C, lowest 17°C.
Saturday: AQI 139 – Unhealthy air, highest temperature 36°C, lowest 21°C.
Sunday: AQI 145 – Unhealthy air, highest temperature 38°C, lowest 23°C.
The air quality in Chiang Rai is now at clearly unhealthy levels, and the AQI continues to rise over the weekend. On Sunday, the index will reach 145, making the air harmful to everyone, not just sensitive groups. At the same time, temperatures continue to rise, reaching 38°C on Sunday. The combination of extreme heat and poor air quality means that outdoor activities should be avoided.
Bangkok: Air pollution continues to increase
Friday: AQI 118 – Unhealthy air, highest temperature 35°C, lowest 26°C.
Saturday: AQI 120 – Unhealthy air, highest temperature 36°C, lowest 28°C.
Sunday: AQI 123 – Unhealthy air, highest temperature 34°C, lowest 28°C.
Bangkok has seen a gradual deterioration in air quality, with the AQI consistently above 100 this weekend. This means everyone should be careful when spending extended periods outdoors. Temperatures will reach 36°C on Saturday, making it a very hot weekend in the capital.
Phuket: Rain and better air quality
Friday: AQI 89 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 30°C, lowest 26°C.
Saturday: AQI 76 – Moderate air quality, highest temperature 30°C, lowest 26°C.
Sunday: AQI 61 – Good air quality, highest temperature 28°C, lowest 26°C.
Phuket continues to receive rain throughout the weekend, which has a positive effect on air quality. Sunday has the cleanest air with an AQI of 61, the best level among the three cities. This makes Phuket the best destination for those looking to avoid air pollution.
Summary and recommendations
- Chiang Rai has very poor air and extreme heat. Outdoor activities should be avoided, especially on Sunday when the AQI reaches 145.
- Bangkok has unhealthy AQI levels all weekend. Limit outdoor time and avoid outdoor physical activity.
- Phuket has continued rain but good air quality on Sunday, making it one of the better places in Thailand this weekend.
This weekend shows a clear deterioration in air quality in Chiang Rai and Bangkok compared to the previous week. Temperatures also continue to rise, especially in Chiang Rai where it is approaching 40°C.
What does AQI mean?
AQI (Air Quality Index) is an index that shows how healthy or unhealthy the air is. The higher the value, the worse the air quality. Values above 100 affect sensitive groups, while levels above 150 can be harmful to everyone.
| AQI | Category | Health advice |
| 0-33 | very good | Enjoy outdoor activities |
| 34-66 | Bra | Enjoy outdoor activities |
| 67-99 | Moderate | People who are unusually sensitive to air pollution should plan strenuous outdoor activities when air quality is better. |
| 100-149 | Bad | Sensitive groups: Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities |
| 150-200 | Very bad | Sensitive groups: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities Everyone: Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities |
| 200+ | Dangerous | Sensitive groups: Avoid all physical activity outdoors Everyone: Severely limit outdoor activities |
Source: Air quality data is taken from IQ Air.
Stay informed and protect your health.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: dariasophia, Pixabay, original image
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