No matter how many government warnings about air pollution, I am amazed how many soon to be expats still choose Bangkok as their destination and even buy a condo.
There are plenty of Thai News Sources in English, the top ones are listed on this website.
Although it appears, foreigners never bother to read them?????
AQI app to monitor air quality is a must have.
Air pollution in Bangkok is getting worse and worse each year.
I cannot image how bad in 5 years, however, Shanghai, China might be a good comparison.
The last time I went to Bangkok from Isaan, 2 hours out in downtown Bangkok and both my husband and I had sore throats and coughs develop due to the poor air quality.
PM2.5 levels above the standard, lead to health concerns and advisories for the public to cease outdoor activities. It is that serious.
The Air Pollution Problem Resolution Centre under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) unveiled these findings after monitoring air quality. While the PM2.5 dust level remained within standard limits across the country, it exceeded the standard in Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Prakan.
The monitoring stations of the Pollution Control Department (PCD) in conjunction with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) measured dust levels between 19 and 56 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), exceeding the standard limit of 35.7 µg/m3 in 23 areas.
Those with specific health conditions should also reduce the duration of outdoor activities or use personal protective equipment. If health symptoms occur, consult a doctor immediately. The situation can be followed via the Air4Thai.com and airbkk.com websites and the Air4Thai and AirBKK applications.
This is why you see many Thai’s, still wearing masks in Bangkok.
The health advisory issued to the public recommends taking precautions, reducing time spent on outdoor activities, or using personal protective equipment.
My advice would be never to buy a condo in Bangkok and do not live in Bangkok period.
Being exposed to high pollutant air will bring health issues that you will be forced to pay and deal with and it will get worse and worse over time.