Bangkok remained blanketed in unhealthy smog on Thursday morning, with fine-dust pollution exceeding safe levels at eight air-quality monitoring stations as activists gathered at Government House demanding action.
Demonstrators from environmental groups including Greepeace Thailand, BIOTHAIm Friend Zone and Climate Strike Thailand marched from Wat Benjamabophit to the Government House complaint centre to submit a petition asking the government to be more serious about tackling the dust crisis, to protect the people's health.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s environment office reported that levels of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) in the air were measured at 33-66 microgrammes per cubic metre, exceeding the government-set safety standard of 50mcg/cm, in eight areas of Bangkok.
The affected areas were: Soi Lat Phrao 95 in Wang Thong Lang district (66mcg/cm), Thanon Tok intersection in Bang Kho Laem district (54mcg/cm), an area opposite Bang Kapi district office in Bang Kapi district (55mcg/cm), an area in front of Lat Krabang Hospital in Lat Krabang district (55mcg/cm), an area near Taksin Bridge in Klong San district (52mcg/cm), Bang Khen district office (56mcg/cm), Klong Toey district office (53mcg/cm) and Laksi district office (58mcg/cm).
Air quality in the capital ranged between moderate and harmful pollution levels.
The Meteorological Department said rain and gusty winds were forecast for upper Thailand from Friday through to Monday, with temperatures expected to drop in the North and the Northeast by 4-7°C.
Chilly weather is expected during this period, with temperatures falling overnight to 10-15°C.
For the Central Plains, a drop of 2-4°C is forecast.
The weather office advised people in upper Thailand to wrap up and take care of their health.