BANGKOK - Fine dust pollution levels has exceeded safety levels in greater Bangkok on Monday (Sept 30) and Thai authorities have advised people to stay indoors or wear face masks if headed outside.
Unsafe levels of fine dust have been found in Bangkok’s in nearly 30 districts. The worst air in the city of PM 2.5 pollution was recorded at Bang Kholaem district, with 78mg per cubic metre of air over the last 24 hours. The safety threshold is pegged by Thailand at 50mg, but that is already higher than the recognised safe level of other countries.
Pralong Damrongthai, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, has attributed the thick smog covering the city to stagnant air, due to a seasonal transition period and lesser rainfall.
Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha tweeted his concern, asking factories and building sites to cooperate in reducing smoke and dust levels, and advising people to use masks when headed outdoors.
Similar advice was dispensed by Mr Damrongthai, who urged vulnerable groups of people - including pregnant women, young children, elderly and those with chronic illnesses - to stay indoors.
Thailand has been battling pollution woes in recent years, the unhealthy spikes caused by constructions, vehicle fumes, industrial emissions and crop burning, even as officials struggle to keep the problem under control.