{
  "id": 19948087,
  "title": "Bangkok smog season under way",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/bangkok-smog-season-under-way",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T07:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Bangkok Post",
    "slug": "bangkok-post",
    "url": "https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3354614/bangkok-smog-season-under-way"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bangkok is experiencing a smog season, with fine-dust pollution exceeding safe levels in several districts. According to the Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre (AirBKK), five districts recorded unsafe levels of fine-dust pollution on Saturday. The average concentration of fine-dust particles (PM2.5) in the capital reached 31.5 microgrammes per cubic metre at 11am on Saturday, up from 29.2µg/m³ at 7am - both readings surpassing the national standard of 37.5µg/m&sup3. Such pollution levels are typically higher during the cool season. Vehicle emissions are believed to contribute up to 70% of the PM2.5 in Bangkok, while agricultural burning in nearby provinces also plays a significant role. Of the 50 districts in Bangkok, five exceeded the safety standard on Saturday: Lat Krabang, Bang Khen, Pathum Wan, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, and Yannawa, with readings ranging from 37.8 to 40.1µg/m&sup3. Other districts with high readings included Khlong Sam Wa, Nong Khaem, Prawet, Klong Toey, Sathon, Wang Thonglang, and Bang Khun Thian. Air pollution could worsen through Monday due to poor ventilation conditions, allowing pollutants to accumulate, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours. Weak surface winds and low ventilation rates are contributing to this issue by limiting the dispersal of pollutants. However, conditions could improve between November 17 and 19 with stronger daytime winds and rainfall, which could help reduce dust levels in certain areas. Yet, pollution may build up again between November 20 and 22 as atmospheric ventilation is expected to deteriorate.",
  "summary": "Smog in Bangkok is expected to worsen through Monday due to persistently poor air dispersion, with five districts reporting unsafe levels of fine-dust pollution on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}