On Tuesday, hazardous smog blanketed several areas in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, with pollution trapped in stagnant air.
The Pollution Control Department observed that particulate matter 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5) surpassed the safety limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter over a 24-hour period in certain areas of the capital and in Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon, as of 11 am on Tuesday.
In Bangkok, PM2.5 levels deemed unsafe ranged between 37 and 48.8 micrograms per cubic meter in several districts including Bang Bon, Bang Kholaem, Bang Khunthian, Bang Na, Bang Phlad, Bang Rak, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, and Bung Khum.
Other affected districts include Chatuchak, Chom Thong, Khlong San, Laksi, Nong Khaem, Pathumwan, Phasicharoen, Pomprap Sattrupai, Rat Burana, Samphanthawong, Sathon, Thon Buri, Thawi Watthana, Thung Khru, and Wang Thong Lang.
The highest recorded level within these areas, measured at 48.8 micrograms per cubic meter, was in Sathon district.
In the surrounding provinces, harmful PM2.5 concentrations were recorded in Krathumbaen and Muang districts of Samut Sakhon at 38.3-53.4 micrograms per cubic meter.
Meanwhile, the Muang and Phra Pradaeng districts of Samut Prakan recorded levels of 37.9-46, the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi at 45.9, and the Muang district of Nakhon Pathom at 46.1.
The highest national level was recorded outside of Bangkok, at 58.8 micrograms per cubic meter in Muang district of Kanchanaburi, with the lowest at 3.2 micrograms per cubic meter in Muang district of Phangnga.
The Meteorological Department forecasts that the smog will persist over Greater Bangkok until October 16.