The levels of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) are still high in 30 provinces, including Bangkok, and schools nationwide are limiting outdoor activities for fear of risking their students' health.
The Pollution Control Department's (PCD) Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation reported at 7am yesterday that the fine particle level in many provinces in northeastern and central regions exceeded the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³).
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency's (Gistda) Check Foon (dust checker) app also reported that 10 northeastern provinces were experiencing red-coded (seriously harmful) pollution levels.
The provinces are Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Roi Et, Si Sa Ket, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Surin and Nakhon Phanom.
In Bangkok, the city's Air Quality Information Centre said that the dust level is at the orange-coded level in ten districts: Nong Chok (45.1 µg/m³), Wang Thong Lang (44.6), Bung Kum (44.4), Lat Krabang (41), Klong Sam Wa (40.7), Sai Mai (40.5), Chatuchak (39.9), Prawet (39.1), Bang Khen (38.3), and Bang Na (38.8).
Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesman, said that the Education Ministry had ordered the Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) to issue notices to every Educational Service Area Office to cancel all outdoor activities in the event of fine dust in the area reaching an orange or red-coded level.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said that due to the pollution concerns, he would call Hun Manet, his Cambodian counterpart, to find solutions before the latter's official visit next Wednesday.
The source said that smog from Cambodia has contributed to the worsening dust pollution in some areas in Sa Keao, Prachin Buri, and Nakhon Nayok provinces, adding that burnt rice stubble in Kong district of Nakhon Ratchsima has contributed to the problem.
To ease the dust, Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, deputy premier and minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said he had ordered the PCD to work with the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation to launch rain-making operations.