Smog alert in Thailand: New health crisis coming?
Can Thailand prevent a new health crisis as the smog season returns? With the return of the smog season, millions of people in Thailand are concerned about increasing air pollution at the end of the rainy season.
Significant deterioration in air quality has already been noted in Bangkok and other regions of the country. PM2.5 particulate matter concentrations have recently reached potentially harmful levels. On October 24, air quality monitoring website IQAir ranked Thailand 14th globally in PM2.5 pollution. Environmental expert and independent academic Sonthi Kotchawat warns: “The PM2.5 threat is returning.”
In June, the Pollution Control Department updated safety standards for PM2.5 in Thailand from 50 µg/m³ to 37,5 µg/m³, to raise awareness of smog issues and boost air quality initiatives. However, according to current World Health Organization guidelines, PM2,5 should not exceed 15 µg/m3 for more than four days per year. Between the start of the year and March 5 - the previous smog season - more than 1,3 million Thais were affected by air pollution-related illnesses, the Health Ministry said.
In northern cities and towns such as Chiang Mai, where seasonal crop burning takes place, PM2.5 levels reached the highest values globally. Chiang Mai University's Health Sciences Research Institute set up a fund in 2019 to provide clean spaces in daycare centers and schools in the north.
Prof. Dr. Khuanchai Supparatpinyo from the institute explains: “We are starting with daycare centers because young children do not know how to protect themselves from harmful smog. It is also difficult to find suitable masks for them.” He emphasizes that children are more vulnerable because their hearts beat faster, causing them to absorb pollutants more quickly, which can have serious effects on their brain development, physical growth and even their lifespan. To protect children, the institute has set up clean rooms in daycare centers and schools by blocking dust from outside and purifying the air inside with DIY aerators.
The city of Chiang Mai has struggled with unhealthy PM2011 levels for four months a year since 2.5. Long-term exposure to particulate matter smog is associated with premature death, especially in people with heart or lung disease.
In Bangkok, city governor Chadchart Sittipunt is working with the Public Health Department to establish clean spaces in daycare centers and kindergartens. The city has also taken measures such as banning the burning of candles and incense in temples and the running of cars in the city. Risk cards have also been introduced for quick warnings of dangerous air quality.
Despite the efforts, environmental expert Sonthi notes that more action is needed, such as the transition to electric vehicles and stricter enforcement of emission standards. He is concerned that the transition to cleaner fuels and vehicles will be delayed.
Fires have damaged 9,4 million rai of forest in Thailand this year, contributing significantly to air pollution. Activist Bunnaroth Buaklee emphasizes that while the Thai government cannot control forest fires in neighboring countries, it can take action against domestic fires.
About PM2.5 particulate matter
PM2.5 particulate matter, consisting of particles with a diameter of less than 2,5 micrometers, is particularly harmful to health. Due to their small size, these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even reach the bloodstream, leading to various acute and chronic health problems.
- Breathing problems: PM2.5 can worsen asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. People with pre-existing conditions, children and the elderly are at greatest risk.
- Heart disease: Exposure to particulate matter is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Particulate matter can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which contributes to atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the blood vessels.
- Effect on lung development in children: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 during childhood can affect lung development and lead to reduced lung function later in life.
- Impact on pregnancy: There are indications that exposure to particulate matter during pregnancy can have adverse effects, such as low birth weight and premature birth.
- Cancer: Long-term or high exposure to PM2.5 is also associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, mainly lung cancer.
- Neurological effects: Recent research suggests a link between particulate matter pollution and brain health, including the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The impact of PM2.5 cannot be underestimated, and limiting exposure is essential to minimize health risks. Measures such as wearing FFP2 masks, improving indoor air quality, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution periods can help limit exposure to these particles.
Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
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So I still don't understand why the government doesn't intervene by burning down the fields. Yes, it is forbidden, but everyone knows that the rules are not respected
The population suffers more and more from this every year. In this case, the population is not just the average poor and less influential Thai, but all Thais from high to low. The government leaders, doctors, police and military top and all politicians and their family members also have lungs but do nothing about it. Black smoke from old diesels and from tuned modern diesels, burning fields and forests, not refusing burnt sugar cane at the factory gate, etc. are cases where something can be done. High fines and a lot of media attention and information will also help a bit. Furthermore, more focus on foreign policy because a large part of the air pollution also crosses borders. The solution will have to come from all layers of the population, but I think that next year we will read the same messages about this again without anything changing.
In Thailand there is no solution from all walks of life because most of them are fine with it. Continue to drive around with smoking diesels, burn their household waste with all kinds of packaging and plastics, rice and sugar become even more expensive if additional 'environmental' measures are taken. Last year the newspapers were full of high PM values, this year will be the same, next year they will repeat the news reports.