Thailand’s Air Pollution: How Many Cigarettes Are You Indirectly Smoking?

Air pollution has become a significant concern worldwide in recent years, with Thailand being no exception.

The air quality in Thailand fluctuates between hazardous and unhealthy levels, particularly during the cold season from December to April. This results in severe health implications for its residents.

To highlight the severity, consider this: the impact of breathing polluted air can be equated to smoking cigarettes. But how many cigarettes are you indirectly smoking due to Thailand’s pollution levels?

We analyzed data from January to June 2024 from Thailand’s most polluted regions to determine the comparison. Read on to discover the results and understand the true impact of air pollution on your health.

Air Pollution Levels in Thailand January – June 2024

Our analysis shows that Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phayao are the most polluted provinces in Thailand, with PM2.5 levels equivalent to smoking approximately 68 cigarettes per month. 

Chiang Mai also faces significant pollution, equating to smoking about 64 cigarettes monthly. 

Conversely, the provinces with the best air quality include Krabi, Surat Thani, and Chumphon, with pollution levels equating to less than 25 cigarettes per month. 

In Bangkok, the PM2.5 levels correspond to smoking about 38 cigarettes per month, indicating moderate air pollution compared to other regions.

Throughout 2024, the average PM2.5 level across the country is 48.7 µg/m³, indicating a high baseline of air pollution.

Thailand ranks 36th in the world for worst air quality and 10.5 million illnesses in 2023 were attributable to air pollution, highlighting the public health crisis. 

These statistics underscore the severity of air pollution in Thailand, particularly in the northern regions. The high levels of particulate matter and other pollutants pose serious health risks to the residents, making it imperative to implement effective measures to improve air quality and protect public health.

Chiang Rai: Thailand’s Most Polluted Province

Chiang Rai is the most polluted province in Thailand, with an average PM2.5 level of 50.3 µg/m³ from January to June 2024.

This level of pollution is equivalent to residents “smoking” 68 cigarettes per month, posing severe health risks.

On April 6, 2024, the PM2.5 concentration peaked at 166.6 µg/m³, highlighting the severity of the pollution.

The 5 districts with the highest air pollution levels in Chiang Rai are:

This level of air pollution negatively impacts health, as indicated by the Air Quality Index.

People should wear a PM2.5 mask when outside and limit strenuous outdoor activities. Those at higher risk, including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, should avoid outdoor activities.

If outdoor exposure is necessary, use PM2.5 masks and watch for symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, or eye irritation. Consult a doctor immediately if any unusual symptoms occur.

Staying indoors with air purifiers can also help reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters are particularly effective, as these filters can capture almost 100% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including PM2.5.

Air Pollution Crisis in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, a major city in northern Thailand, faces a severe air pollution crisis. In the first half of 2024, the province had an average PM2.5 level of 46.9 µg/m³, equating to residents “smoking” 63 cigarettes per month.

On April 6, 2024, the PM2.5 concentration peaked at a hazardous 160.8 µg/m³, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The 5 districts with the highest pollution levels in Chiang Mai are:

Air Pollution Crisis in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is facing a severe air pollution crisis. In the first half of 2024, the city recorded an average PM2.5 level of 28.2 µg/m³, equating to residents “smoking” 38 cigarettes per month.

On April 6, 2024, the PM2.5 concentration peaked at a hazardous 160.8 µg/m³, emphasizing the severity of the air quality issues.

The 5 districts with the highest pollution in Bangkok levels are:

Overview: 2024 Air Pollution and Cigarette Equivalents in All Thai Provinces

References

– Berkeley Earth. “Air Pollution and Cigarette Equivalence.” 

– National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). “Social Outlook Report.” 

– Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). “PM2.5 Monitoring.” 

– Thai PBS Policy Watch. “Environmental Policy.”

– Royal Thai Government. “Summary of Cabinet meeting 19 December 2023.”