Smog again covers Bangkok

Smog again covers Bangkok

Unhealthy smog blanketed most of greater Bangkok on Thursday morning, blamed on traffic congestion and stagnant air, the Pollution Control Department reported.

Of the 58 air quality stations, 50 reported unsafe levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5) in Bangkok and adjacent provinces, department chief Pralong Damrongthai said.

Fine dust pollution peaked at 81 microgrammes per cubic metre of air over the past 24 hours. The government-set safe threshold is 50mcg - twice the most common international standard.

Areas of unsafe PM2.5 levels in Bangkok included Bang Kapi, Bang Khunthian, Bang Na, Din Daeng, Pathumwan, Phaya Thai, Thon Buri, Wang Thonglang and Yannawa districts.

On the outskirts, thick smog was reported in Muang district of Nakhon Pathom; Bang Kruai and Pakkret districts of Nonthaburi; Klong Luang and Muang districts of Pathum Thani; Phra Pradaeng and Muang districts of Samut Prakan; and Krathum Baen and Muang districts of Samut Sakhon.

Mr Pralong said greater Bangkok suffered heavy congestion on many roads from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning, while air was stagnant in many areas.

Upcountry, unsafe PM2.5 levels covered Mae Sot district of Tak; Muang district of Nan, Muang district of Phayao; Muang and Mae Mo districts of Lampang; Mae Sai and Muang districts of Chiang Rai; Muang district of Chiang Mai; Muang district of Phrae; and Muang district of Mae Hong Son.

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