BANGKOK – The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has issued a warning that hazardous PM2.5 levels are expected to continue increasing until mid-January, with the most severe conditions anticipated in Bangkok, its metropolitan surroundings, and the Upper Central Region. An improvement in air quality is projected after January 16.

Thailand Chokes Under Widespread Smog, 45 Provinces Exceed Safe PM2.5 Levels

According to PCD Director-General Surin Worakijthamrong, the current pollution buildup is due to high atmospheric pressure, cold air masses from the north, and weak winds across the country, which prevent the dispersion of pollutants and trap them near ground level.

Thailand is grappling with increasing PM2.5 pollution, with unsafe air quality reported in 59 provinces and red-level smog affecting many parts of Greater Bangkok.

In response, Bangkok authorities have joined hands with neighbouring Nakhon Nayok to address the issue at its… pic.twitter.com/HCwAgcSnyR

— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) January 13, 2026

In response, the PCD has coordinated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to encourage government agencies to expand work-from-home arrangements. Authorities have also intensified inspections of vehicles emitting black smoke by lowering the permissible emissions threshold from 30 to 20, a measure that has already reduced particulate pollution by approximately 30 percent.

Enforcement of burning bans has been strengthened, resulting in a reduction of more than 8,000 burning hotspots—a decrease of about 50 percent. Field response teams remain on standby to deploy promptly when increased hotspot activity is detected.

Bangkok Gripped by Severe PM2.5 Pollution, Health Warnings Issued

Surin noted that the use of Cell Broadcast alerts has helped deter open burning, while the adoption of Euro 6 vehicle standards since 2024 has cut particulate emissions by nearly half. He urged both public and private organizations to maintain flexible work policies and called on residents nationwide to completely avoid agricultural burning in order to mitigate health risks.

-Thailand News (TN)