Bangkok is facing a critical surge in PM2.5, and the government says it is trying to fix it.

The levels of PM2.5 exceeded 35 microgrammes per cubic metre (μg/m³), meaning the air was unhealthy.

Bangkok Yai district was the worst affected with 105.1 μg/m³.

In an interview yesterday, the premier said that he was aware of the pollution problem and had arranged a discussion with related sectors regarding control measures.

The government plans to collect taxes from companies which import farm produce, such as corn, from farmers in Myanmar and Laos who burn their farms.

"If one company imports corn from Laos and we know they import from the farmers who set fire to their farmlands after harvesting, we will collect tax from that company. We plan to use the money to support our 'Stop Wildfire' project and support farmers who do not burn their farmland after harvesting," Mr Srettha said.

Sugar cane burning which takes place before harvesting was adding to air pollution in the capital. The premier said he ordered authorities to prevent such burning.

"The problem of PM2.5 is not only an environmental issue, but it also affects our health and the tourism industry," Mr Srettha said.

Road traffic is another cause of the rising levels of PM2.5 in Bangkok, he said, adding car owners should take good care of their vehicles and make sure their engines don't produce black smoke.