Bangkok Requests Work From Home on 12-13 Jan Amid PM 2.5 Spike Expected in Over 35 Districts

Bangkok requests cooperation for working from home (WFH) on 12-13 January 2026 to reduce traffic and exhaust pollution after forecasts predict closed weather conditions next week, increasing risk of PM 2.5 accumulation.

On 9 January 2026, the Facebook pageBangkok Metropolitan Administrationposted a message announcing a request for cooperation to work from home (WFH) to collectively reduce dust on 12-13 January 2026, after weather is forecast to be stagnant all next week, possibly causing high PM 2.5 levels. They invited everyone to work from home to reduce travel and prevent high dust levels.

Air quality is at the orange level, beginning to affect the general public's health. Recommended precautions include using protective equipment such as PM 2.5 masks whenever going outdoors, limiting the duration of strenuous outdoor activities or exercise, and monitoring for abnormal symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or eye irritation. At-risk groups should always wear PM 2.5 masks when outdoors, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and follow medical advice promptly if symptoms develop.

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt requested cooperation from government agencies, private sectors, and businesses to have their personnel work from home (Work From Home) on 12–13 January 2026 to reduce traffic and exhaust pollution. This follows forecasts that the period from 10–17 January will be high risk for dust accumulation due to stagnant weather.

Main causes of PM 2.5 pollution in Bangkok

• Closed weather trapping dust without ventilation
• Biomass burning around Bangkok and neighboring countries
• Vehicle and factory exhaust emissions

Five response measures

• WFH on 12–13 January
• Strict ban on burning waste and grass
• Intensified black smoke inspections, reducing opacity limit to 20%
• Coordinate with six upwind provinces to enforce 100% burn ban
• Report burning incidents and black smoke vehicles via Traffy Fondue platform

If pollution reaches red level in over five districts, Low Emission Zone measures may be implemented, banning trucks from entering the city (except Green List vehicles).

Thanks for information from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Facebook page.