According to Jatuporn Buruspat, permanent secretary of natural resources and environment, Thailand has decided to implement new PM2.5 standard levels, reduced from 50 microns (microgram/cubic meter) to 37.5 microns, and a new air quality index (AQI) standard, reduced from 91 to 75.1, as of June 1st, to bring them in line with the World Health Organization’s standards.
The AQI will be separated into five levels, each with a different color under the new standard.
-The AQI 0-25 (Blue) rating denotes extremely good air quality, making it ideal for all outdoor and tourist-related activities.
-The AQI 26-50 (Green) level denotes air quality that is sufficient for individuals to carry out their regular daily activities.
-The AQI 51-100 (Yellow) level denotes moderate air quality, allowing healthy individuals to engage in regular outdoor activities. However, those who need to take extra precautions for their health should cut back on outdoor activity if they start coughing or have trouble breathing.
-The AQI 101-200 (Orange) level denotes that the general public is beginning to feel the effects of poor air quality. People should limit outdoor activity or wear face masks if they have a cough, difficulty breathing, or irritation of the eyes, and anyone having chest pain, headache, exhaustion, or nausea should consult a doctor.
-An AQI of higher than 200 (Red) indicates that the air is so unhealthy that people should avoid being outside, wear face masks, and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
Jatuporn stated that the Department of Pollution Control and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation should inform and educate the general public about the changes, while the Ministry has instructed all state agencies to be ready to solve the PM2.5 problem in accordance with the new standard.
