News

Severe Air Pollution Hits Bangkok and 66 Provinces: PM2.5 Levels Reach Dangerous Heights

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2025

Wadi

Ultrafine Dust Levels Declared Unsafe Across Bangkok and Beyond

On Monday morning, levels of ultrafine dust were rated unsafe throughout Bangkok and in 66 out of 76 provinces, with Sing Buri experiencing the worst pollution. The situation has raised significant health concerns for residents in affected areas.

PM2.5 Levels Reported at Harmful Thresholds

According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5) reached harmful (red) levels in five provinces as of 9 AM. The highest concentration recorded was 85.6 micrograms per cubic meter of air over a 24-hour period in Sing Buri province.

Highest Recorded PM2.5 Levels in Affected Provinces

Following Sing Buri, the next highest PM2.5 levels were observed in:

Nakhon Phanom: 83.9 µg/m³
Chai Nat: 81.5 µg/m³
Nong Bua Lam Phu: 80 µg/m³
Nakhon Pathom: 79.6 µg/m³

The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5 µg/m³, indicating that these levels pose a significant health risk.

Moderate and Safe Air Quality in Other Regions

In contrast, moderate and safe levels of PM2.5 were reported in several areas:

Chiang Rai: 37.4 µg/m³
Phuket: 34.8 µg/m³
Chiang Mai: 34 µg/m³
Ranong: 29.2 µg/m³
Rayong: 28.4 µg/m³
Mae Hong Son: 27 µg/m³
Nakhon Si Thammarat: 26.3 µg/m³

Good Air Quality Recorded in Some Locations

The air quality was rated as good in:

Chumphon: 24.5 µg/m³
Surat Thani: 22.7 µg/m³
Phangnga: 21.5 µg/m³
Krabi: Best air quality at 19.9 µg/m³

Health Impact from Rising PM2.5 Levels

Other provinces reported PM2.5 levels that began to affect health, classified as orange levels ranging from 37.6 to 74.1 µg/m³.

Unsafe PM2.5 Levels Across Bangkok Districts

Unsafe levels of PM2.5, categorized as both orange and red, blanketed all 50 districts of Bangkok. The following districts recorded red levels:

Bangkok Yai: Highest at 102.3 µg/m³
Thon Buri: 100.9 µg/m³
Khlong San: 97.1 µg/m³
Additional districts included Bang Kho Laem (94.0), Bangkok Noi (91.8), and Sathon (90.6), among others.

Urgent Action Needed to Address Air Quality Crisis

The alarming rise in PM2.5 levels across Bangkok and surrounding provinces highlights an urgent need for action to combat air pollution and protect public health. With many districts experiencing dangerous air quality, authorities must prioritize measures to improve environmental conditions for residents across the region.

News

WOW Festival 2025: A Celebration of Sustainable Urban Living at Benjakiti Park

Published

10 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Wadi

Experience the WOW Festival 2025 from January 11 to 19

The WOW Festival 2025: Wonder of Well-Living City is set to take place at Benjakiti Park from January 11 to 19, offering a vibrant blend of creativity, technology, and community engagement. Organized by the Siam Association of Architects under Royal Patronage, this festival aims to inspire and empower citizens to contribute towards a more sustainable and equitable future for Bangkok.

Theme: “Healthy City, Empowers People”

This year’s theme, “Healthy City, Empowers People,” will explore innovative approaches to urban living through a series of engaging events and activities designed to foster community interaction and awareness around sustainability.

Festival Highlights

Avatar Map: A Digital Experience

One of the standout features of the festival is the Avatar Map, a cutting-edge digital platform that enhances visitor experience by providing personalized recommendations and guiding attendees through the festival’s various attractions.

National Leaders’ Summit

The festival will host a National Leaders’ Summit, bringing together urban leaders, innovators, and industry experts to discuss critical issues related to sustainable urban development. Key topics will include low-carbon cities, design trends, and financial education.

WOW Happy Ground

The WOW Happy Ground zone will feature interactive exhibits, creative workshops, and relaxing spaces for visitors to unwind while engaging with the festival’s core themes. This area is designed to promote creativity and collaboration among attendees.

WOW Circular Market

Visitors can explore the WOW Circular Market, showcasing a curated selection of handcrafted goods made from recycled materials. This market highlights the importance of sustainable consumption and supports local artisans.

WOW Co-Creation Workshops

Participants can join WOW Co-Creation workshops, where they can share ideas and collaborate on developing more livable urban spaces. These workshops aim to foster community involvement in urban planning.

Special Events for Children’s Day

In celebration of Children’s Day, the festival will feature a dedicated “WOW Playground” zone filled with engaging activities for children. This includes “Free Play” areas, “Structure Play” zones, and “Role Play” activities that encourage creativity and foster an understanding of sustainable urban living.

Vision for a Liveable City

According to the Siam Association of Architects, “A liveable city is more than just modern buildings. It’s about creating a safe, comfortable, and high-quality living environment for all.” The WOW Festival 2025 provides an opportunity for the public to engage with important issues and contribute to shaping the future of Bangkok.

Join Us at WOW Festival 2025

The WOW Festival 2025 promises to be an exciting event that showcases innovative urban living in Bangkok. With a variety of activities designed for all ages, it’s an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors alike to engage with sustainability initiatives. For more information about the festival, please visit the Facebook page “WOW Wonder City Livable.”

News

Health Warning: Properly Cook Pork to Prevent Serious Infections

Published

10 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Wadi

Doctor Urges Safe Cooking Practices for Pork Consumption

Health authorities are strongly advising the public to avoid consuming raw or undercooked pork to protect against Streptococcus suis, commonly referred to as “hearing loss fever,” which can be fatal. This warning follows a reported increase in cases during the recent long holiday in several provinces.

Rise in Cases Linked to Undercooked Pork

Dr. Taweechai Visanuyothin, director of the Department of Disease Control’s Regional Office 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima, stated that a number of individuals contracted the disease after consuming raw or undercooked pork. From January 1, 2024, to January 2, 2025, there were 197 recorded cases of hearing loss fever, resulting in 22 deaths across the provinces monitored by Regional Office 9. Nakhon Ratchasima reported the highest number of cases (120) and deaths (10), followed by Chaiyaphum (37 cases and 7 deaths) and Surin (24 cases and 3 deaths).

Safe Cooking Temperatures for Pork

To ensure pork is safe for consumption, Dr. Taweechai emphasized that it must be cooked at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius or higher for at least 10 minutes. He added that simply squeezing lime juice over pork does not suffice as a cooking method.

Risks for Food Preparers

Dr. Taweechai also cautioned those who prepare food that they are at risk of contracting the disease through open wounds. He recommended wearing gloves when handling raw meat to minimize exposure. Symptoms of Streptococcus suis infection include fever, fatigue, nausea, irregular heartbeat, poor vision, low blood pressure, and hearing loss.

Prioritize Food Safety

The rise in Streptococcus suis cases highlights the importance of proper food safety practices, particularly when handling and cooking pork. By adhering to safe cooking temperatures and maintaining hygiene in food preparation, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of infection and protect their health. If any symptoms arise after consuming pork, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

News

Bangkok Bans Street Vending at Key Locations to Enhance Public Space

Published

10 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Wadi

Street Vending Canceled in Pathumwan District

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has officially canceled street vending at two significant locations in the Pathumwan district to maintain safe, clean, and accessible pavements. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to reorganize public spaces and improve the overall urban environment.

Locations Affected by the Ban

The two locations impacted by this ban include Ton Son on Ploenchit Road, which previously hosted 17 vendors, and the area in front of the Siam Scape building, where nine vendors operated. These changes took effect on January 1, 2025, as part of the BMA’s initiative to enhance pedestrian safety and urban cleanliness.

Future Plans for Erawan Shrine Area

In addition to these changes, the BMA plans to engage in discussions with three flower vendors located near the Erawan Shrine at the Ratchaprasong intersection. The goal is to reorganize this public space further and minimize traffic disruptions in the area, ensuring a smoother flow for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Current Vendor Regulations in Pathumwan

Despite these cancellations, there are currently 13 areas within Pathumwan district where a total of 222 vendors are permitted to operate. Previously, the district office established two hawker centers capable of accommodating 122 vendors at Lumpini Park Gate 5 and at the Ratchadamri intersection.

Inspections and Compliance

On Monday, Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam, along with BMA’s deputy permanent secretary Supakrit Boonkhan, inspected the affected sites and visited vending zones in the Bang Rak district to ensure compliance with regulations. This proactive approach aims to uphold public orderliness and hygiene standards among authorized vendors.

Previous Actions Against Street Vending

In October 2024, the BMA had already taken steps to cancel street vending along a stretch of Silom Road, moving vendors from Silom Soi 12 to Silom Soi 10. In Bang Rak district alone, there are currently 32 areas where 618 street vendors are allowed to operate.

Commitment to Public Safety

Mr. Jakkapan emphasized the importance of strictly enforcing bans on vending in prohibited areas while ensuring that vendors in authorized zones adhere to established standards. This initiative reflects Bangkok’s commitment to balancing street vendor activities with public safety and urban aesthetics.

Enhancing Bangkok’s Urban Environment

The recent cancellation of street vending at key locations in Bangkok underscores the city’s ongoing efforts to improve public spaces while ensuring safety for pedestrians. As discussions continue regarding vendor operations near significant landmarks like the Erawan Shrine, it is clear that maintaining an organized and clean urban environment remains a top priority for city officials.