'PM2.5' Air pollution turns red across BKK, Worst in Bang Rak-Lat Krabang-Pathum Wan

Today, (January 16, 2026)   at 7:00 AM,   the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center reported PM2.5 levels ranging from 38.8 to 86.6 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), exceeding the standard of 37.5 µg/m³ (standard: 37.5 µg/m³).

Top 12 PM2.5 Highest PM2.5 levels in Bangkok:

1. Bang Rak District, 75.8 µg/m³

2. Lat Krabang District, 75.5 µg/m³

3. Pathum Wan District, 73.7 µg/m³

4. Prawet District, 71.4 µg/m³

5. Chatuchak District, 70.9 µg/m³

6. Sathorn District, 70.4 µg/m³

7. Khlong Sam Wa District, 68.4 µg/m³

8. Nong Chok District, 64.8 µg/m³

9. Khlong Toei District, 64.1 µg/m³

10. Bueng Kum District, 63.5 µg/m³

11. Ratchathewi District, 62.8 µg/m³

12. Min Buri District 62.2 µg/m³

16, Jan 2026 at Chatuchak District, Photo: Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong via SAP NEWS

Health Recommendations

Red Air Quality Impacts Health.

All citizens should avoid outdoor activities. If outside activities are required, always wear protective gear such as PM2.5 masks. If you notice any strange symptoms, seek medical attention right once. Individuals with pre-existing diseases should avoid polluted regions, keep all necessary drugs and equipment on hand and closely adhere to their doctor's orders.

Orange's air quality is beginning to have an impact on health.

General public: When going outside, wear protective equipment such as PM2.5 masks.

Limit the duration of intense outdoor activities and exercise.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency said that between January 16-17, 2026, ventilation was "weak," and the atmosphere near the surface was relatively stagnant. Southerly winds from the Gulf of Thailand brought moisture, which resulted in fog. This resulted in particulate matter concentrations that exceeded the threshold in most regions. From January 18-24, the sluggish atmosphere and light winds are likely to keep particulate matter concentrations over the threshold. Today calls for cold temperatures, morning fog and dense fog in some regions.

16, Jan 2026 at Chatuchak District, Photo: Annie via SAP NEWS

Bangkok Air Quality Information Center collaborated with all relevant agencies to enhance activities in accordance with the action plan to combat air pollution. This is intended to reduce the severity of the PM2.5 problem and its possible impact on public health. The public and all sectors are invited to contribute to decreasing health consequences by altering behaviors and reducing dust-producing activities using the following "5 Ways to Reduce Dust: You Can Do It!":

1. Clean up your house on a regular basis to remove dust.

2. Avoid burning rubbish or incense.

3. Plant trees to absorb pollutants and collect dust particles.

4. Take public transit.

5. While parked, turn off your engine and check that it does not exceed the standard smoke emission limitation.

Further, for alerts and public awareness campaigns encouraging people to check air quality information before leaving home, please use the following:

- AirBKK application

- www.airbkk.com

- https://greener.bangkok.go.th

- www.pr-bangkok.com

- FB: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Environmental Department

- FB: Air Quality Information Center

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

- FB: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

- LINE ALERT

Copywriter: Siam Associated Press (SAP) Editorial Department
Pictures: Some illustrations come from the Internet. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it.
Source of material: official media /online news