February 27, 2025
BANGKOK – The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) revealed that in 2024, 12.3 million Thais suffered from health issues caused by air pollution, with the northern region having the highest rate, followed by the northeastern region.
It also reported that within just two months of 2025, the number of people affected exceeded 980,000.
NESDC presented the fourth-quarter social situation of Thailand and an overview for 2024, highlighting significant developments in health issues that require attention going forward. The PM 2.5 dust problem has worsened, significantly impacting public health. Air pollution remains a major issue, intensifying, especially PM 2.5 pollution.
According to the 2024 Air Quality Index report from IQAir, Thailand ranked 33rd out of 141 countries worldwide for air pollution, a decline from 2023, where the country ranked 36th. Thailand is the third among nine Southeast Asian countries with an average annual PM 2.5 level of 24 micrograms per cubic metre.
The average annual PM 2.5 level for 2024 increased from 23 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, exceeding the World Health Organization’s annual average standard for PM 2.5 by 4.8 times. This has led to both acute and chronic health effects, such as asthma , bronchitis, and lung cancer.
A study by Chulalongkorn University in 2024 found that PM 2.5 dust in Bangkok and surrounding areas contains heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and chromium at relatively high levels, all of which increase the risk of lung cancer.
According to the Health Data Centre of the Ministry of Public Health, in 2024, 12.3 million people were diagnosed with diseases related to air pollution, an increase of 10.1% from 2023. The northern region recorded the highest number of cases, followed by the northeastern region and Bangkok.
From January 1 to February 14, 2025, there have been 980,000 cases of air pollution-related diseases. Special attention is needed for high-risk groups, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions.
These individuals should wear face masks to protect against PM 2.5 whenever going outside. Below are some recommendations for the public to safeguard their health:
- Monitor PM 2.5 levels before leaving home using the Air4thai app or other news sources.
- Follow the “Avoid, Close, Use, Avoid, Reduce” measures:
(1) Avoid exposure to dust, especially for high-risk groups.
(2) Close doors and windows tightly, and clean the house daily.
(3) Use certified PM 2.5 protective masks.
(4) Avoid outdoor activities.
(5) Reduce car usage and any form of burning.