February 2, 2023, Mr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director General of Pollution Control Department (PCD) announced the situation of PM_2.5 and measures for solving the problem at the Center for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). It was found that PM_2.5 had exceeded the standard and began to affect health in several areas in Bangkok and its vicinity, 17 Northern provinces, and North-eastern region.

Mr. Pinsak said PCD forecasted that PM_2.5 in Bangkok and its vicinity, and 17 Northern provinces trended to have high accumulation during February 2 – 4, 2023, due to stable and close weather. The areas that should be watched out to monitor are Bangkok and its vicinity: central Bangkok, northern and southern parts of Thon Buri, and 17 Northern provinces: upper and lower northern region. PCD has coordinated and integrated works with relevant agencies by following the Action Plan for driving National Agenda on “Solving pollution problem of particulate matter”, including analysing PM_2.5 situation. Furthermore, PCD has reiterated various agencies both central and local agencies to upgrade measures for controlling pollution sources such as strictly control non-open burning, fuel management, and coordinating with ASEAN Secretariat to accelerate neighbouring countries to reduce the hotspots. In addition, governors of the Northern provinces called for a war room to raise measures to prevent and solve forest fires, haze, and PM in the northern areas. MNRE has closely integrated the cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to raise the operations and focusing on reducing PM sources, for example, strict industrial inspection, request for cooperation from private and government sectors to “work-from-home” to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads as well as prevent impact of public health.

Additionally, people can follow PM_2.5 and air quality reports on websites and applications Air4Thai.com, and AirBKK.com, especially high-risk people are advised to wear masks and reduce outdoor activities to avoid long-term health risks. If you have any health symptoms, please consult a doctor.