Bangkok AQI has reached dangerous levels—again

Like every new year, the cooler temperatures have also made the Bangkok AQI absolutely horrendous.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Bangkok, including 55 districts, fell below safety standards on January 6, 2025, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Air Quality Information Centre. Bangkok is experiencing average PM2.5 levels throughout the city at an average of 41.1 µg/m³. The conditions are expected to persist through February, although efforts are underway to combat the current pollution levels in Bangkok.

PM2.5 refers to dust particles that measure 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is linked to chronic diseases such as heart and lung complications.

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Bangkok AQI: Pollution levels, health precautions and solutions

The highest levels of pollution were recorded in Bangkok Yai at 102.3µg/m³, followed by Thon Buri at 100.9 µg/m³, Khlong San at 97.1 µg/m³, Bang Kho Laem at 94.0 µg/m³, Bangkok Noi at 91.8 µg/m³, Bang Rak at 91.8 µg/m³, Sathon at 90.6 µg/m³, Din Daeng at 90.3 µg/m³, Samphanthawong at 90.2 µg/m³, and Phasicharoen at 88.6 µg/m³. For comparison, the government-set safe threshold is 37.5 µg/m³.

Residents of the Thai capital have been urged to wear face masks when going out and avoid staying outdoors for prolonged periods. People in Bangkok are urged to observe symptoms related to pollution exposure such as eye irritation, prolonged cough, and difficulty breathing.

Dust-reduction measures, including requiring over 160,000 vehicles to replace air filters and oil are also being put in place. Approximately 10,000 trucks have joined a green vehicle programme in a bid to normalise the AQI in Bangkok. Additionally, plans are underway to encourage remote work for 80,000 employees across the city.

Innovative ways to combat the rising pollution levels are expected to provide some relief to city dwellers. For instance, an aircraft releasing -70°C dry ice to punch through Bangkok’s pollution-trapping atmospheric layer and heat film while creating ventilation channels in the atmosphere might assist in bringing down the pollutants in the air.

Visit the AirBKK website to check daily pollution levels in Bangkok.

This story originally appeared in Travel + Leisure Thailand.