"PM 2.5"

Environmental groups on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against three government agencies – the Industry Ministry, National Resources and Environment Ministry and National Environmental Board (NEB) – accusing them of failing to protect citizens’ right to clean air.

Illegal burning of farm waste and forest fires have pushed the PM2.5 levels in the North to unhealthy levels again, the Department of Health announced on Saturday.

The PM2.5 dust level exceeded the standard value in 20 Bangkok areas on Wednesday and might affect some people’s health, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Air Quality website reported.

The quality of air in Bangkok and adjacent provinces improved on Monday after many areas hit unsafe levels last week.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is concerned about people in Bangkok and its vicinity who face the problem of PM 2.5 dust that has exceeded the health standard in some areas, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Thursday.

Air quality in eight districts around Bangkok and its vicinity hit unsafe levels on Wednesday morning, the Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation reported.

Air quality in Bangkok and surrounding areas are expected to hit unsafe levels from Monday to Thursday, the Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) said on Sunday.

The Pollution Control Department said the PM2.5 dust situation is presently at the standard level of 5-27 mcg/cu across Thailand.

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has announced cooperation with the United States government to develop air-quality monitoring and forecasting system using space technology.

With the arrival of winter, Bangkok's air quality has improved to "moderate" in the latest readings.

In a move to control PM2.5 levels in the capital during the dry, cool season, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) has decided to stop six-wheelers from entering the city from December 1 onwards.