On Valentine's Day the weather was anything but romantic as the Pollution Control Department announced PM2.5 hit "dangerous" levels in many areas. On Intharaphithak Road in western Bangkok, the ultra-fine dust particles reached 72 microgrammes per cubic metre, against the Thai standard of 50 µcg over a 24-hour average. "Bangkok residents should not breathe in this toxic dust any more," Mr Thara said, adding the pollution will affect the city's economy in the long run. Despite this bleak outlook the authorities have not set adequate goals to fix it, he said. Gen Prayut should update the air quality index and fast-track efforts to deal with dust from ageing cars, outdoor burning and power plants, he added.

Source: Bangkok Post February 22, 2018 21:22 UTC