Bangkok: In response to the escalating PM2.5 dust crisis, Bangkok officials have announced a significant restriction on truck traffic in inner city areas, effective tonight. The measure comes as Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Deputy Governor Wisanu Traiphumpol closely monitor air quality from the Bangkok Air Quality Data Center in Din Daeng District, aiming to curb the pollution levels that have plagued the city.
According to Thai News Agency, the governor reported that five districts-Phasi Charoen, Nong Khaem, Bang Bon, Bang Khun Thian, and Thawi Watthana-are experiencing particularly high dust levels, marked in red. The problem extends beyond Bangkok, with elevated dust values also recorded in the Northeast and Central regions, including Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi provinces. The primary contributors to the dust in Bangkok are vehicular emissions and burning, especially from the city's outskirts, combined with unfavorable weather conditions.
In the last two days, burning incidents were identified in Sai Mai and Nong Chok districts. Compared to the same period last year, the Central and Eastern regions have seen an uptick in burning activities, averaging 108 burning spots per day in 2024 and 162 in 2025. This increase is believed to be a factor in the early arrival of this year's dust problem. The governor has urged the public to report any cases of burning to the hotline 199 or through Traffy Fondue, promising swift action from officials.
Despite the current poor ventilation in Bangkok, an improvement is anticipated over the weekend. Measures such as Work From Home (WFH) and the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) have been implemented to mitigate the situation. The LEZ, starting tonight at 00.01 and ending at 23.59 on Friday, January 24, 2025, restricts trucks with six wheels or more from entering the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road and certain districts unless they are green-registered vehicles. As of now, there are 32,000 green-registered vehicles, and registration is ongoing.
The WFH initiative has been extended until January 24, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion and minimizing exposure to PM2.5 dust. The governor also announced the closure of 103 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), emphasizing the necessity of the decision and the discretion afforded to school directors and districts. Additional measures include random inspections of vehicles for black smoke and checks on construction site standards. The public is also advised to wear masks and limit outdoor activities to protect their health.