This morning, PM 2.5 dust levels in Bangkok surged beyond the standard to the orange level, beginning to affect health in 30 areas. Authorities warned the public to wear masks when outdoors.
On 20 Jan 2026, the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported the PM 2.5 dust situation from Bangkok's air quality monitoring stations at 07:00. The 24-hour average PM 2.5 dust levels measured ranged from 27.5 to 62.3 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), exceeding the standard and reaching the orange level, which begins to affect health (standard not exceeding 37.5 µg/m³). This was recorded in 30 areas as follows.
1. Pathumwan District, in front of Samyan Mitrtown shopping mall: recorded 62.3 µg/m³.
2. Chatuchak District, in front of Kasetsart University: recorded 50.7 µg/m³.
3. Khlong Sam Wa District, inside the Khlong Sam Wa district office: recorded 48.5 µg/m³.
4. Bang Rak District, beside the police booth in front of Bang Rak Lovely Plaza: recorded 48.3 µg/m³.
5. Lat Krabang District, in front of Nakarapiban Hospital: recorded 46.6 µg/m³.
6. Wang Thonglang District, in front of Bangchak gas station on Soi Lat Phrao 95: recorded 45.7 µg/m³.
7. Lak Si District, inside the Lak Si district office: recorded 45.6 µg/m³.
8. Bang Kho Laem District, near the police booth at Si Yaek Thanon Tok intersection: recorded 44.2 µg/m³.
9. Ratchathewi District, inside the Ratchathewi district office: recorded 43.0 µg/m³.
10. Prawet District, in front of Seacon Square shopping mall: recorded 42.8 µg/m³.
11. Min Buri District, at Suan Chalerm Phrakiat Rama 9 park opposite the Min Buri district office: recorded 42.6 µg/m³.
12. Sai Mai District, at the bus stop in front of Sai Mai district office: recorded 42.3 µg/m³.
13. Bang Sue District, inside the Bang Sue district office: recorded 42.2 µg/m³.
14. Bueng Kum District, inside the Bueng Kum district office: recorded 41.5 µg/m³.
15. Khan Na Yao District, at the entrance where Suan Siam Road intersects with Ram Inthra Road: recorded 41.3 µg/m³.
16. Samphanthawong District, in front of the corner at Chalerm Phrakiat Gate (Odean Circle): recorded 41.1 µg/m³.
17. Phra Nakhon District, inside the Phra Nakhon district office: recorded 41.1 µg/m³.
18. Bang Khen District, inside the Bang Khen district office: recorded 40.8 µg/m³.
19. Lat Phrao District, inside the Lat Phrao district office: recorded 40.7 µg/m³.
20. Nong Chok District, in front of the Nong Chok district office: recorded 40.7 µg/m³.
21. Taling Chan District, at the intersection of Phutthamonthon Sai 1 Road and Borommaratchachonnani Road: recorded 40.5 µg/m³.
22. Seri Thai Park, Bueng Kum District: recorded 40.5 µg/m³.
23. Khlong Toei District, inside the Khlong Toei district office: recorded 40.4 µg/m³.
24. Phasi Charoen District, in front of Siam University (around Soi Phetkasem 36), university entrance: recorded 39.9 µg/m³.
25. Sathorn District, at the intersection in front of Sathorn district office on Saint Louis Road: recorded 39.8 µg/m³.
26. Don Mueang District, beside the Don Mueang district office: recorded 39.8 µg/m³.
27. Bang Khun Thian District, inside the Bang Khun Thian district office: recorded 39.4 µg/m³.
28. Nong Khaem District, at the three-way junction beside the police booth on Ma Charoen Road, Phetkasem 81: recorded 38.8 µg/m³.
29. 60th Birthday Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park, Lat Krabang District: recorded 38.4 µg/m³.
30. Bang Phlat District, inside the Bang Phlat district office: recorded 37.7 µg/m³.
Bangkok's air quality index from monitoring stations mostly indicates air quality at the orange level, beginning to affect health.
The Meteorological Department forecasts weather in Bangkok to have morning fog and some areas with dense fog, with a 10% chance of rain across the area.
Health recommendations: For air quality at the orange level, which begins to affect health,
Related factors (weather forecast affecting PM 2.5 levels): From 20 to 22 Jan 2026, ventilation is expected to be "weak," with the atmosphere near ground level relatively closed. The southern Bangkok area remains influenced by southerly winds from the Gulf of Thailand, with chances of rain. On 23-24 Jan, ventilation is expected to be "good" with strong winds, likely reducing dust concentration. Today's forecast includes morning fog and some areas with dense fog, with a 10% chance of rain.
Satellite data on heat spots from NASA shows no unusually high heat spots detected on the Earth's surface in the Bangkok area.
The Bangkok Environment Office has coordinated with all relevant agencies to intensify operations under the dust mitigation action plan to alleviate the severity of PM 2.5 dust pollution and its potential health impacts. The office also encourages public participation and all sectors to change behaviors and reduce activities that generate dust pollution to minimize health risks. The "5 Ways to Reduce Dust You Can Do" are: 1. Regularly clean the house by dust wiping; 2. Avoid burning trash and incense; 3. Plant trees to absorb pollution and trap dust; 4. Use public transport; and 5. Turn off engines while parked and maintain engines to prevent excessive smoke emissions.
Warnings and public information encourage people to check air quality before leaving home through:
If members of the public spot pollution sources, they can report tips through the Traffy Fondue platform.
