SEAToday.com, Bangkok-On Monday (1/9), reports showed that air pollution levels in Bangkok, Thailand, and surrounding provinces have surpassed health standards.This is a continuation of the ongoing pollution problem that Thailand has been facing since December last year. The greatest fine dust levels were found in the central plains within Thailand.

Within Bangkok, Nong Kham district hosts the highest concentration of fine dust measuring 87,4 micrograms per cubic meter recorded on January 9.

The Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency has produced these reports in cooperation with Chiang Mai University and Kaestrat University.

The safe levels for fine dust set by the Thai government measure at 37 points 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

Popular tourist destinations such as Ratchaburi, Chai Nat, and Nonthaburi too have been covered with dangerous levels of fine dust particles. They measure 71 point 4, 70 point 4, and 64 micrograms per cubic meter.

Thai citizens can check fine dust particle levels through the “check the dust” which also provides dust level forecasts. The highest concentrations of fine particles were found in farmlands.

The government has also advised citizens to wear masks while spending time outdoors. Furthermore, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority has invested in public transport and tighter environmental policies on business and industries (KIM/ALVIN)