Bangkok, Thailand — The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a new real-time PM2.5 air pollution alert system using Cell Broadcast technology.
The announcement was made on 14 January 2026 by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who outlined the current air quality situation across the capital. According to the BMA, the city’s average PM2.5 level has reached 58.1 micrograms per cubic metre, significantly exceeding Thailand’s safety standard of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre.
Several Bangkok Districts at Critical Pollution Levels
At present, three to four districts have been classified under red-level (critical) air pollution, meaning conditions pose direct health risks. These areas include:
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Bang Rak, which recorded the highest PM2.5 reading at 86.9 µg/m³
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Pathum Wan
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Sathorn
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Chatuchak
Authorities are advising people in these districts to avoid prolonged outdoor activities and take appropriate protective measures, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
How the Cell Broadcast Alert System Works
What sets this year’s response apart is the introduction of Cell Broadcast alerts for PM2.5, a system more commonly associated with emergency warnings. When individuals enter a high-risk (red-level) pollution area, their mobile phones will automatically receive an alert—without the need to download an app or manually check air quality data.
The alerts are designed to help people:
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Reduce outdoor exposure
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Take immediate health precautions
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Make informed travel and daily activity decisions in real time
A Shift Toward Direct Public Safety Communication
The initiative is a collaboration between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Officials say the system represents a shift from passive information-sharing to direct, location-based warnings, ensuring that critical health messages reach people when and where they are needed most.
For travellers and expats in Bangkok, the move adds an extra layer of safety awareness during peak pollution periods, particularly in busy commercial and tourist districts.
Air Quality and Urban Travel in Focus
As Bangkok continues to manage seasonal air pollution challenges, the new Cell Broadcast system reflects a growing emphasis on public health, smart city solutions, and real-time communication. Authorities say the system will continue to be refined to improve accuracy and coverage across the capital.
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