Bangkok Residents Urged To Stay Indoors Amid Poor Air Quality

BANGKOK, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Authorities have advised Bangkok residents to stay indoors as poor air quality and high pollution levels are forecast for Monday and Tuesday.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala said PM2.5 pollution levels are expected to reach the “orange” level, deemed harmful to health, across extensive areas in the city.

He urged government agencies, private sector organisations, and residents to work from home (WFH) during this period to reduce traffic congestion.

“Over 80 fire hotspots were reported daily between Jan 11 and 15, and PM2.5 levels in 35 or more districts are expected to reach the ‘orange’ threshold.

“Implementing WFH measures is anticipated to reduce traffic and consequently, air pollution levels in Bangkok,” he said in a statement posted on the official BMA Facebook page on Monday.

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, posing severe health risks.

An area is classified as an orange zone when PM2.5 concentrations range between 37.6 and 75.0 microgrammes per cubic metre. Residents in these areas are strongly advised to wear face masks and limit outdoor activities.

For those unable to work from home, Aekvarunyoo advised vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions, to take extra precautions.

"This includes wearing PM2.5-filtering masks at all times when outdoors and seeking medical attention if symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties, or eye irritation occur," he added.

-- BERNAMA