Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has instructed schools nationwide to beware of rising PM2.5 fine dust levels, which are threatening students' health.
Ms Narumon said state agencies must closely monitor PM2.5 readings to assess risks to students, teachers and school staff.
With current levels reaching orange and red status -- exceeding safety standards -- schools are urged to suspend outdoor activities and have students wear masks at all times.
She said school administrators must remain vigilant about their communities' health, reduce or avoid outdoor exposure, and ensure the use of PM2.5-filtering masks.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said PM2.5 levels typically spike from December to March due to three factors: weather conditions, vehicle emissions and biomass burning from nearby provinces or neighbouring countries.
This can drive PM2.5 readings up to 90 µg/m³, while even two of the factors can see them hit 60 µg/m³.
The BMA has strengthened its annual mitigation measures, including increased working from home.
