Bangkok records red-level air pollution in four districts, caused by stagnant air and smoke from fires covering over 13,000 rai in nearby provinces.
At 8:30 p.m. on 27 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, stated during a live broadcast on Facebook that a smoke plume from the eastern area is moving into Bangkok, causing PM2.5 particles to accumulate, with pollution levels expected to rise from this evening onward.
The governor explained the main cause is stagnant weather conditions, with atmospheric lifting below 2,000 meters, which hampers pollution dispersal. In addition, large-scale fires in nearby eastern provinces during the afternoon burned about 13,000 rai, producing a smoke plume approximately 1,700 square kilometers in size—equivalent to the entire area of Bangkok.
Furthermore, northeast winds have carried the smoke directly into Bangkok, affecting eastern districts such as Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, and Khlong Sam Wa first, where pollution levels have risen to red. Meanwhile, the western side of Bangkok has been less affected. Bangkok authorities offered fire trucks to assist in controlling the fires, but were informed that existing equipment was sufficient.
The pollution is expected to cover Bangkok throughout the night due to continued stagnant air. However, conditions should improve during the following morning as air circulation increases.
Bangkok authorities have urged residents to strictly protect their health by limiting or avoiding outdoor activities, always wearing masks to guard against PM2.5 when outside, reducing strenuous exercise, and monitoring for symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or eye irritation. Those with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, especially high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory or heart conditions.
As of 7:00 a.m. on 28 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported the average PM2.5 concentration in Bangkok at 55.6 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the standard limit of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter.
The 12 districts with the highest PM2.5 levels in Bangkok are as follows:
1. Nong Chok District: 80.8 µg/m³
2. Min Buri District: 77.3 µg/m³
3. Khlong Sam Wa District: 76.5 µg/m³
4. Khan Na Yao District: 76.1 µg/m³
5. Prawet District: 71.7 µg/m³
6. Sai Mai District: 70.7 µg/m³
7. Lat Krabang District: 69.2 µg/m³
8. 60th Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park, Lat Krabang District: 68 µg/m³
9. Seri Thai Park, Bueng Kum District: 66.9 µg/m³
10. Nong Chok Park, Nong Chok District: 66.5 µg/m³
11. Bueng Kum District: 65.9 µg/m³
12. Saphan Sung District: 63.6 µg/m³