Bangkok schools shut down amid severe air pollution

By Phan Anh January 21, 2025 | 05:46 am PT

Smog covers Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 2, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Several schools in Bangkok were forced to close on Monday due to high levels of PM2.5, a harmful particulate matter, in the air.

In Nong Khaem District, PM2.5 concentrations reached 77.8 µg/m³ by noon, double the threshold considered to be safe for exposure by Thailand's Pollution Control Department, according to the Bangkok Post.

As a result, two schools in the district were closed, said Nanthaya Khiewsawang, the district's assistant chief. The Wat Udom Rangsi school, with 2,152 students, announced it would reopen on Thursday if air quality improves. Meanwhile, Pracha Bamrung school, which serves 1,151 students, said it planned to reopen on Wednesday, depending on air conditions.

Four other schools in the district have switched to online classes on Tuesday to minimize exposure to the hazardous air.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has advised residents to work from home and rely on public transportation due to the severe pollution levels.

Nationwide, 64 of Thailand’s 76 provinces reported elevated PM2.5 levels on Monday, with some regions seeing concentrations exceed 90 µg/m³.