Toxic dust levels ranged from 61-93 microgrammes per cubic metre of air in the past 24 hours throughout greater Bangkok, with the worst pollution in Samut Sakhon's Muang district and Pathum Thani's Khlong Luang district.
The Pollution Control Department said on Thursday morning that hazardous levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5) were reported on Rama II Road in Muang district of Samut Sakhon and in tambon Khlong Nueng of Khlong Luang district in Pathum Thani province.
Lower but still dangerous levels of PM2.5 dust were measured in many areas of Bangkok, exceeding the safety threshold set at 50mcg.
They were on Kanchanaphisek Road in Bang Khunthian district, in Bang Na sub-district of Bang Na district, Khlongchan sub-district of Bang Kapi district, Din Daeng sub-district and on Din Daeng Road of Din Daeng district, Rama IV Road in Pathumwan district, Intharaphitak Road in Thon Buri district, Lat Phrao Road and in Phlab Phla sub-district of Wang Thong Lang district, and Phaya Thai sub-district of Phaya Thai district.
In other adjacent provinces, hazardous dust particles were reported in tambon Nakhon Pathom of Muang district in Nakhon Pathom province; tambon Bang Kruai of Bang Kruai district in Nonthaburi; tambon Song Khanong and tambon Talad of Phra Pradaeng district and tambon Bang Sao Thong of Bang Sao Thong district in Samut Prakan; and tambon Om Noi of Krathum Baen district in Samut Sakhon.
The department called for people to stop using vehicles that emit black smoke and setting fires outdoors.