Super El Niño effect could worsen PM2.5 next year

The Ministry of Public Health has warned that the "Super El Niño" phenomenon could worsen Thailand's PM2.5 air pollution situation next year, especially in 40 high-risk provinces, including Bangkok.

The ministry's deputy permanent secretary, Dr Sarawut Boonsuk, said on Friday that the potential development of a Super El Niño, which would lead to prolonged drought conditions, suggests that PM2.5 pollution may become more severe than in previous years.

Particular vigilance will be required from now through May, which includes proactive preparation and preventive measures essential to protecting approximately 16 million vulnerable people nationwide.

Priority groups include people with respiratory diseases, allergies, heart disease and cardiovascular conditions, as well as young children, pregnant women and older adults.

The measures include launching the "Safe Zone" application, which lets the public locate dust-free rooms and pollution clinics in real time and map vulnerable groups at risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Pollution clinics will be available on-site and online through telemedicine, allowing people to consult doctors and receive health assessments without travelling.

The ministry will coordinate local budgets with provincial governors, Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Offices, local administrative organisations and the National Health Security Office's local health security funds.

This approach aims to minimise overlapping expenditures and ensure the most effective use of available resources, so Thailand's public health system is fully prepared to protect public health and reduce illness throughout the 2027 dust pollution season, he said.

He said statistics from 2024 to 2026 showed that more than 60 provinces experienced PM2.5 levels above the standard.

Meanwhile, Bangkok will limit the entry of vehicles that don't pass the "Green List" during the haze season, which will last from now until March, says Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

The BMA will prohibit four-wheeled trucks that have not qualified under the checklist.