The government warns to monitor PM 2.5 levels, emphasizes at-risk populations should observe symptoms, recommends using Line OA to report suspected illness from fine particulate matter, and follow dust situation updates through the Air4Thai application.
On 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the current PM2.5 fine particulate matter levels exceed standards in many areas, impacting public health and requiring ongoing vigilance. Data from the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported the PM2.5 situation in Bangkok on 14 Jan 2026 at 07:00 showing an average concentration of 58.1 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), exceeding the standard of 37.5 µg/m³. The top 12 districts with the highest PM2.5 levels in Bangkok are:
1. Bang Rak District: 86.9 µg/m³.
2. Pathum Wan District: 83.4 µg/m³.
3. Sathorn District: 78.5 µg/m³.
4. Chatuchak District: 74.1 µg/m³.
5. Ratchathewi District: 64.5 µg/m³.
6. Lat Krabang District: 63.9 µg/m³.
7. Bang Sue District: 63.8 µg/m³.
8. Prawet District: 63.7 µg/m³.
9. Laksi District: 62.6 µg/m³.
10. Nong Khaem District: 62.4 µg/m³.
11. Bang Khen District: 61.4 µg/m³.
12. Khlong Sam Wa District: 61.2 µg/m³.
The particulate matter levels show a rising trend, with air quality reaching levels that begin to affect health.
Ms. Airin stated that the government has instructed all related agencies to closely monitor and track the fine dust situation, conduct field communication on risks, provide knowledge, and advise on self-protection methods against PM2.5 to the public, working with local networks to manage health impacts and implement appropriate ongoing measures. She also advised that at-risk groups—including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and allergies—may suffer more severe health effects from fine dust exposure and should closely watch for abnormal symptoms in four key illness groups: 1. Cardiovascular issues such as easy fatigue and rapid heartbeat; 2. Respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, nasal and throat irritation; 3. Dermatitis symptoms including itching or red rashes on the body; 4. Eye inflammation symptoms such as eye irritation, itching, tearing, and redness. Anyone experiencing unusual symptoms or suspecting dust-related effects should promptly seek medical attention.
“Citizens can use the Line OA service from the Occupational and Environmental Disease Division to report suspected illnesses caused by fine dust. Additionally, people should regularly check local air quality to assess their exposure risk to PM2.5, using the Air4Thai application from the Pollution Control Department. The public is also urged to help reduce dust emissions by limiting vehicle use, avoiding open burning, keeping homes clean and dust-free, closing doors and windows tightly, and refraining from outdoor activities unless necessary—especially outdoor work or exercise in high dust areas. If going outside is essential, protective measures such as wearing masks, especially for motorcyclists who should also wear goggles and long sleeves to protect eyes and skin from irritation, are recommended. For more information, the public can contact the Disease Control Department hotline at 1422.”