The northeastern city of Khon Kaen was again blanketed with a toxic haze of dust on Friday as people in greater Bangkok enjoyed another day of respite from smog, with air quality rated between moderate and very good.
The Pollution Control Department reported on Friday morning that fine dust levels ranged from 16 to 46 microgrammes per cubic metre across greater Bangkok in the previous 24 hours.
The lowest reading was in Bang Na sub-district of Bang Na district in Bangkok, and the highest on Phahon Yothin Road in Bang Khen district of Bangkok.
The safe level for particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5) is set at 50mcg in Thailand. The department expected levels to rise again on Saturday, but said they would still be in the "safe" zone.
In Khon Kaen, PM2.5 levels reached a very hazardous 106mcg on Friday morning. Local authorities were trying to prevent farmers burning off their fields and ensure contractors damp down dust from local road construction.
