Bangkok Governor Targets 20 PM2.5 Exceedance Days Annually

On October 27, 2026, at Bangkok City Hall, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt chaired the second meeting of the PM2.5 Prevention and Resolution Committee. Deputy Governors Praprom Na S. Wikitset and Pichmai Ruengsilp, along with Environment Department Director Waranuch Suaykhaow, executives, and representatives from relevant agencies attended both in person and online to prepare for the late-2026 dust season and drive the 2027 action plan.

Governor Chadchart stated that this year's dust situation cannot yet be clearly assessed for severity due to ongoing climatic factors that must be closely monitored. While inter-agency cooperation was strong last year, this year's situation may be more complex and different, requiring continuous, comprehensive readiness. He urged all agencies to monitor conditions, assess risks, and plan meticulously for swift response.

He also emphasized developing database systems, employing modern technology and tools for tracking and analysis, and integrating inter-agency data to improve targeted planning and problem-solving. Contingency measures must be ready to manage dust events effectively, minimizing health and quality-of-life impacts.

Bangkok aims to limit PM2.5 exceedance days to no more than 20 (from 28) through 66 core year-round measures, with escalated actions at color-coded alert levels: 18 additional measures at Orange (≥37.5 µg/m³) and 6 at Red (≥75 µg/m³). Four key initiatives will drive the city: 1) Green List — registering compliant 4- and 6+-wheel transport vehicles for entry into Low Emission Zones (LEZ) via https://greenlist.bangkok.go.th (Oct 22, 2026 – Mar 31, 2027); 2) LEZ & Dust-Free Vehicle Project — restricting high-pollution vehicles during crises, paired with the "This Car Reduces Dust" campaign for maintenance (Nov 2026 – Mar 2027); 3) Environmental Inspectors — deploying officers to enforce laws at construction sites, concrete plants, factories, boilers, open burning, and black-smoke vehicles; 4) Cross-Boundary Cooperation — the Bangkok and Beyond project with Nakhon Nayok to manage upwind burning and monitor factory pollution via BKK Industrial Watch.

Monthly progress tracking will involve Kasetsart University (Super Station), the Pollution Control Department, Metropolitan Police, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, GISTDA, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, and all six surrounding provinces.