Cities with highest air pollution Thailand 2024

Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai, Thailand, ranked first as the most polluted city in the country as of November 2024. In comparison, Ban Khao Lak in Phangnga was the city with the best air quality in the country during that same period.

 Air pollution in Thailand

Air pollution is the leading environmental concern in Thailand. More than 1.3 million people have already been affected by air pollution-related illnesses in the country, according to health authorities. The smoke and haze have a significant impact on numerous provinces in Thailand, including the capital. However, Bangkok does not rank as highly for air pollution levels compared to other megacities in the Asia-Pacific region.

 The haze season in Thailand

The period of January to April is famously known as the haze season in the mountainous part of northern Thailand, also known as the burning season. This problem occurs annually and has significantly affected the northern and central region. One of the primary sources of the particles is the practice of farmers burning fields in order to prepare the land for the next crop. Despite the impact of the haze season in the north, the air quality in northern Thailand is likely to have improved compared to previous years in terms of the level of PM2.5.