PUBLISHED : 20 Jan 2026 at 05:00

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

Construction projects are cited as a key contributor to rising PM2.5 pollution levels. The Pollution Control Department reported on Monday that PM2.5 levels in Bangkok had reached the ‘orange level’ in 14 areas, showing an upward trend. Chanat Katanyu

Thailand is bracing for an air pollution crisis, with authorities warning that fine dust (PM2.5) levels are expected to rise nationwide through Jan 25, heightening health concerns.

The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre and the Pollution Control Department (PCD) said forecasts for Jan 19–25 point to widespread increases in fine particulate matter, with Bangkok, the Central Plains, the North and the Northeast facing the highest risk.

In Bangkok, at least 15 districts have already recorded "orange-level" air quality, considered harmful to health, including Ratchathewi, Pathumwan, Bang Rak, Chatuchak, Lat Krabang and Sathon.

Regionally, the Northeast and Central regions are the most affected, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding safety standards in nearly all monitored areas. The Northeast has recorded levels as high as 66 micrograms per cubic metre, while parts of the North and East have also begun to surpass safe limits. The South remains the only region reporting generally good air quality.

The Air Pollution Mitigation Communication Centre said that as of Monday, PM2.5 levels above the standard had been detected in dozens of provinces, including Bangkok and its vicinity, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Chon Buri. Pollution is forecast to intensify again in Bangkok and surrounding provinces on Jan 24–25.

Amid the worsening outlook, the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) released findings from a recent nationwide survey on environmental crises. The survey, which involved more than 1,000 respondents, found that over 88% were experiencing moderate to severe impacts from environmental problems.

Air pollution ranked as the top concern, cited by 42% of respondents, followed by climate change at 22% and waste pollution at 15%.

TEI Director Wijarn Simachaya said that the public wants political parties to prioritise a Clean Air Act, integrated water management and zero-waste systems, noting that TEI will submit policy proposals to the next government ahead of the upcoming election.