The government is concerned about the health of students and teachers, urging schools nationwide to strictly control PM2.5 and adjust learning formats according to pollution levels. It advises suspending outdoor activities when pollution reaches orange and red levels.
On 7 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that schools across the country have begun the second semester of the 2026 academic year, and many areas are entering a period requiring PM2.5 dust monitoring. The government, through the Ministry of Education, has instructed the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) and all schools nationwide to monitor daily dust levels and use these data to determine learning methods. When dust levels are high, outdoor activities should be reduced or suspended, classes held inside dust-free buildings or rooms, and students and staff should wear masks to protect their health.
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) has informed all educational area offices and the Special Education Administration to strictly enforce PM2.5 prevention and mitigation measures in their affiliated schools, especially by monitoring daily dust levels through the Air4Thai website or Air4Thai app and using this information to decide on learning activities.
When dust levels are good, indicated by blue or green colors, regular teaching can proceed. At yellow, or moderate levels, outdoor activities should be reduced. At orange and red levels, additional precautions include requiring students and staff to wear PM2.5 masks, holding classes indoors in dust-free rooms, reducing or suspending outdoor activities, and considering adjustments to learning methods, including school openings or closures based on the situation and relevant regulations.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office added that school administrators, teachers, and educational staff must continuously inform students about dust conditions and self-protection methods, monitor for unusual symptoms, and pay special attention to young children and students with pre-existing heart and respiratory diseases. Schools should prepare dust-free classrooms, regularly clean school buildings, and educational area offices should monitor the situation and promptly assist schools affected by dust pollution.
In addition to short-term measures, long-term campaigns emphasize encouraging teachers, students, and parents to reduce pollution by using public transportation, carpooling, planting trees to increase green spaces, and mobilizing volunteers such as scouts, guides, and military cadets to promote dust reduction in communities.
Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi said that although many areas are still recovering from flooding, protecting the health of students and teachers from PM2.5 pollution must proceed simultaneously. She urged educational area offices and schools to continuously monitor the situation and follow measures to promptly adapt teaching methods as needed.