BANGKOK (NNT) – Despite overcast skies over Bangkok in recent days, the Pollution Control Department reports that the air quality in the capital is still good, with high airborne particle concentrations in heavy traffic areas. The department revealed that it is implementing measures to curb the increasing trend of airborne dust, with satellite imagery used to forecast pollution build-up.
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) Director General Attapon Charoenchansa said Thailand is entering the winter season, which lasts from November to January, during which the lower temperature and other climate conditions make it difficult for airborne particles to disperse, including PM2.5 and PM10.
This build-up of air pollution has been observed in Bangkok, as well as in 17 provinces in the northern region. The PCD chief said the department has put this issue on the national agenda and drafted a response plan, to be implemented by many organizations.
The PCD’s suggestions have led to the restriction of large and diesel engine vehicles from operating in Bangkok, campaigns encouraging the general public to make changes to protect themselves from hazardous air pollutants and discussions with the transportation and tourism industries to help reduce air pollution.
For provinces in the northern region, the government has developed an application to help farmers schedule crop stubble burning times, to help reduce the concentration of particles emissions from the fires. This scheduling is done along with combustibles management, to reduce the volume of combustibles in areas prone to fire.
