reader Posted yesterday at 11:29 AM Posted yesterday at 11:29 AM From Pattaya Mail A dense layer of dust severely impacted visibility across Bangkok, particularly at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports, on January 26. This resulted in several flights being diverted to alternative airports with better visibility. The hazardous air quality conditions, caused by high concentrations of particulate matter (PM 2.5), disrupted flight operations and posed a health risk to the public. The thick haze was so severe that pilots, who were not certified for low-visibility landings or did not have the proper training or clearance, could not land at the airports. Planes were forced to divert to other airports where conditions were safer. In a post on social media, Captain Faisal, a pilot, shared an image of the hazy sky, stating that many flights were grounded or rerouted due to the low visibility, with only certified pilots and airlines being able to perform the necessary maneuvers to land. The dust crisis not only disrupted air travel but also prompted health advisories urging people to limit outdoor activities. Authorities continued to monitor the air quality throughout the day as the dust levels remained dangerously high. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thick-dust-disrupts-flights-at-suvarnabhumi-and-don-mueang-airports-diverting-several-planes-488498 ============== In response to the alarming levels of PM2.5 air pollution affecting various regions in Thailand, Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, on January 26, unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to safeguard public health under the slogan “Check, Use, Avoid, Reduce, Close.” These recommendations aim to raise awareness and encourage proactive steps to mitigate health risks associated with fine particulate pollution. The Ministry has categorized PM2.5 pollution levels into five color-coded tiers, with specific actions recommended for each: Blue (0-15 µg/m³): General public: Safe to engage in all outdoor activities. Sensitive groups: Activities can proceed as usual. Green (15.1-25 µg/m³): General public: Outdoor activities remain safe. Sensitive groups: Minimize strenuous outdoor activities and monitor for health issues. Yellow (25.1-37.5 µg/m³): General public: Reduce outdoor exercise and physical labor. Sensitive groups: Limit time spent outdoors, wear protective masks, and seek medical advice if symptoms occur. Orange (37.6-75 µg/m³): General public: Minimize outdoor physical activity, wear masks, and consult a doctor for unusual symptoms. Sensitive groups: Avoid strenuous activities, remain in dust-free environments, and take extra precautions. Red (>75 µg/m³): General public: Refrain from outdoor physical activity, use protective measures, and stay indoors as much as possible. Sensitive groups: Avoid outdoor exposure entirely, maintain dust-free spaces, and ensure access to essential medications. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thai-public-health-minister-highlights-5-pm2-5-protection-tips-check-use-avoid-reduce-close-488484 tm_nyc 1 Quote
Keithambrose Posted yesterday at 02:40 PM Posted yesterday at 02:40 PM 3 hours ago, reader said: From Pattaya Mail A dense layer of dust severely impacted visibility across Bangkok, particularly at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports, on January 26. This resulted in several flights being diverted to alternative airports with better visibility. The hazardous air quality conditions, caused by high concentrations of particulate matter (PM 2.5), disrupted flight operations and posed a health risk to the public. The thick haze was so severe that pilots, who were not certified for low-visibility landings or did not have the proper training or clearance, could not land at the airports. Planes were forced to divert to other airports where conditions were safer. In a post on social media, Captain Faisal, a pilot, shared an image of the hazy sky, stating that many flights were grounded or rerouted due to the low visibility, with only certified pilots and airlines being able to perform the necessary maneuvers to land. The dust crisis not only disrupted air travel but also prompted health advisories urging people to limit outdoor activities. Authorities continued to monitor the air quality throughout the day as the dust levels remained dangerously high. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thick-dust-disrupts-flights-at-suvarnabhumi-and-don-mueang-airports-diverting-several-planes-488498 ============== In response to the alarming levels of PM2.5 air pollution affecting various regions in Thailand, Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, on January 26, unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to safeguard public health under the slogan “Check, Use, Avoid, Reduce, Close.” These recommendations aim to raise awareness and encourage proactive steps to mitigate health risks associated with fine particulate pollution. The Ministry has categorized PM2.5 pollution levels into five color-coded tiers, with specific actions recommended for each: Blue (0-15 µg/m³): General public: Safe to engage in all outdoor activities. Sensitive groups: Activities can proceed as usual. Green (15.1-25 µg/m³): General public: Outdoor activities remain safe. Sensitive groups: Minimize strenuous outdoor activities and monitor for health issues. Yellow (25.1-37.5 µg/m³): General public: Reduce outdoor exercise and physical labor. Sensitive groups: Limit time spent outdoors, wear protective masks, and seek medical advice if symptoms occur. Orange (37.6-75 µg/m³): General public: Minimize outdoor physical activity, wear masks, and consult a doctor for unusual symptoms. Sensitive groups: Avoid strenuous activities, remain in dust-free environments, and take extra precautions. Red (>75 µg/m³): General public: Refrain from outdoor physical activity, use protective measures, and stay indoors as much as possible. Sensitive groups: Avoid outdoor exposure entirely, maintain dust-free spaces, and ensure access to essential medications. https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/thai-public-health-minister-highlights-5-pm2-5-protection-tips-check-use-avoid-reduce-close-488484 Same every year, nothing happens! Quote
