Bangkok, Thailand – Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has urged offices to allow voluntary Work From Home (WFH) on 4 December as the city faces rising air pollution. PM2.5 levels have reached orange alert, affecting all 50 districts and several central provinces, including Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Chachoengsao, and Pathum Thani.
Bangkok is now entering its annual dust season, lasting from November to February. Today, air quality measurements using PM2.5 concentration indicate levels between 37.6–75 µg/m³ (orange), which can affect public health. Authorities advise citizens to wear PM2.5 masks outdoors, limit strenuous outdoor activity, and monitor for symptoms like coughing, eye irritation, or difficulty breathing. Vulnerable groups should follow medical advice if symptoms appear.
The main causes of Bangkok’s current air pollution are:
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Closed weather conditions – Cold air masses trap pollutants, especially in winter months. Air circulation today is at 600 m²/s, half of yesterday’s rate, causing dust accumulation.
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Vehicle emissions – The city’s high traffic volume significantly contributes to PM2.5.
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Biomass burning – Fires, particularly from neighboring countries, continue to increase dust density.
To mitigate pollution, Bangkok requests WFH for agencies that can implement it. Participation is voluntary. Schools remain open, as masked and supervised children are safer than staying home exposed to outdoor pollution. Last year, a one-day WFH trial reduced traffic by 13%.
Other measures include stricter monitoring of construction sites, vehicle smoke checks, and citizen efforts like maintaining vehicles, reducing diesel use, and avoiding open burning. The goal is to reduce traffic and prevent further dust accumulation over the coming week.
“Even a slight reduction in pollution sources, such as 10% fewer cars, could lower PM2.5 from orange to yellow,” Governor Chadchart emphasized. “Residents should take precautions, protect children, and reduce outdoor exercise during this period.”