Bangkok PM2.5 Today: Air Is Below the Limit, Storms Possible

Bangkok’s official citywide PM2.5 average at 7:00am on Feb 25, 2026 was 28.6 µg/m³, which is within the Bangkok standard referenced in the report (no more than 37.5 µg/m³).

Still, “within the standard” doesn’t mean the air feels the same everywhere. Today can be moderate and uneven by district. It’s also hot, with a 20% chance of thunderstorms and gusty winds, which can change both comfort and safety fast.

Key takeaways (7:00am, Feb 24, 2026)

• Citywide PM2.5 average: 28.6 µg/m³
• Standard referenced: 37.5 µg/m³
• Highest readings: Prawet, Lat Krabang, Pathum Wan (mid-30s µg/m³)
• Weather risk: 20% storm chance, gusty winds, watch for falling hazards
• Mask note: Sensitive groups may still want a well-fitting mask outdoors

Bangkok PM2.5 today (Feb 25, 2026): the number, the standard, and what “below” means

PM2.5 is fine dust in the air, so small it can slip past your nose and throat. You can’t always see it. On some days, the sky looks normal, yet the air still carries a gritty load.

The unit µg/m³ is a simple measure of how much dust is in a cubic meter of air. Think of it like a “density” reading. Higher numbers mean more particles floating around where people breathe.

At 7:00am today, Bangkok’s citywide average was 28.6 µg/m³. The standard referenced in the report is 37.5 µg/m³, so the citywide reading is below that level. That’s good news for day-to-day planning, especially compared with heavier haze days earlier in the season.

However, “below the standard” isn’t the same as “perfect air.” Some people won’t notice anything. Others, especially those who are more sensitive, can still feel dry eyes, a scratchy throat, or irritation on busy streets.

For anyone tracking official station data, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s monitor network is available through the Bangkok Air Quality station dashboard, which lists district and station readings in one place.

Quick context: why you can feel fine in one area and irritated in another

Air readings can shift quickly across Bangkok because street-level pollution is local. Traffic-heavy roads, construction sites, and idling vehicles can raise PM2.5 near the curb even when the citywide average looks calm.

Wind also matters. A breezy stretch can mix the air and push pollution away. A still morning can let dust build up, like smoke lingering in a closed room. The report notes that improved ventilation helped stop dust from piling up across the city, which explains why the overall average stayed within the referenced standard.

Time of day adds another twist. Morning commutes can raise roadside exposure. Later, a change in wind direction can move pollution between neighborhoods. That’s why a “moderate” day often feels patchy, not uniform.

For a broader Thailand context, including how to read daily updates and keep home air cleaner, see this Chiang Rai Times guide on Thailand PM2.5 air quality report.

Where the air is worst right now: top PM2.5 districts in Bangkok at 7:00am

Here are the 12 districts with the highest PM2.5 readings reported at 7:00am.

Values are from the Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre reading at 7:00am on Feb 25, 2026.

This list is most useful for small choices. A commuter can pick a route with fewer stoplights and less roadside waiting. Parents can shift outdoor play to a less busy time window. Visitors can plan temple walks away from heavy traffic, or keep breaks indoors if the air feels irritating.

Many people also cross-check third-party trackers for context. One widely used option is AQICN’s Bangkok air page, which compiles readings from multiple sources and updates often.

If you’re staying in central tourist areas, what these districts mean in plain language

Several of today’s higher-reading districts sit in areas many visitors recognize. Pathum Wan covers major shopping and transit hubs. Bang Rak includes busy business and nightlife zones. Ratchathewi sits near popular hotels and train links. Phra Nakhon includes parts of the Old City where many people go for temples and riverside sights.

These names help with orientation, but street conditions still matter more than labels. A quiet side street can feel fine, while a main road nearby can feel harsh. Before heading out, it helps to check the reading closest to the hotel or the day’s first stop, then adjust the plan if the air feels rough.

By zone: the PM2.5 ranges across Bangkok and Thonburi (and what “moderate” can feel like)

Zone ranges can explain why the citywide average looks fine while some districts still sit higher. The report’s zone ranges at 7:00am were:

• North Bangkok: 27.2-33.8
• East Bangkok: 20.9-35.7
• Central Bangkok: 21.8-33.1
• South Bangkok: 20.7-35.6
• North Thonburi: 24.3-31.9
• South Thonburi: 24.4-33.5

On a moderate day, some people feel normal and go about life as usual. Others feel irritation sooner, especially near traffic or during long outdoor periods. In other words, the number is a guide, but the body’s response can vary.

For readers who like a second map-style view of real-time sensors, PurpleAir’s Bangkok map can show how neighborhood-level readings shift during the day. It’s best used as a comparison tool, not a replacement for official sources.

Hot day with a 20% storm chance: how today’s weather may affect air and safety

The Thai Meteorological Department forecast referenced in the report calls for hot conditions during the day, with thunderstorms in 20% of the area and gusty winds in some places. Temperatures are expected to range from 25-27°C (lows) to 34-36°C (highs). Winds are southerly at 10-20 km/h.

Wind often helps by mixing the air and improving ventilation. That can keep PM2.5 from stacking up for hours in the same spot. On the other hand, gusts can also kick up dust near busy roads, open lots, or construction zones. Conditions can change fast, especially if a storm line moves through.

The report also includes a clear safety warning for gusty winds: avoid staying near large trees, buildings, and unstable billboards.

Gusty winds don’t just feel unpleasant. They can turn loose objects into hazards, especially near trees, old signs, and exposed construction areas.

For more background on how Thai weather patterns and seasonal warnings tie into PM2.5 risk, Chiang Rai Times has a related update on a Meteorological PM2.5 forecast.

A simple “today plan” for residents, commuters, and visitors

• Morning commute: Check your district reading before leaving. If traffic is heavy, reduce time waiting at the curb.
• Midday heat: If you’re sensitive to air or heat, choose indoor plans during the hottest hours. Carry water if you’ll be outside.
• Evening plans: Recheck conditions, because wind and storms can shift readings. Keep a backup indoor option if thunder clouds build.

What you should do today (no panic, just smart steps)

Today’s citywide PM2.5 average is below the referenced standard, so most plans can continue with basic care. The report still advises at-risk groups to wear a mask outdoors, since “moderate” air can bother some people more than others.

Small home choices can also lower exposure. If roadside smoke drifts in, close windows facing the street. A fan or air purifier can help move and filter indoor air if available. Avoid adding indoor smoke, such as burning candles or incense, when the air outside already carries extra particles.

Travel habits matter, too. Time spent right next to traffic often feels worse than time a block away. When possible, choose routes with fewer idling cars, or use transit options that reduce long waits on the roadside. If a ride-hail pickup point sits on a congested road, walking to a calmer corner can make the wait more comfortable.

For a deeper look at why Bangkok haze returns, and what steps officials and residents have tried, Chiang Rai Times has a detailed explainer on Bangkok PM2.5 pollution causes.

If you’re healthy: how to enjoy the day while reducing PM2.5 exposure

• Limit curbside time near heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.
• Use side streets when walking, even if it adds a few minutes.
• Keep outdoor breaks shorter when you smell exhaust or smoke.
• Shower and change clothes after long outdoor time, especially if you rode a motorbike.
• Ventilate when air feels clearer, such as after a breezy period or light rain.

If you’re in a sensitive group (kids, older adults, pregnant people, asthma or heart and lung conditions)

• Consider a well-fitting mask outdoors, especially in higher-reading districts.
• Keep outdoor time shorter, and take indoor breaks more often.
• Pick indoor activities during midday heat, since heat adds stress even when PM2.5 is moderate.
• Keep rescue meds with you if you already use them.
• Seek official guidance if you feel unwell, since personal risk differs by condition.

If you plan to exercise outdoors: how to decide quickly

Sensitive groups should choose indoor exercise today, especially during the hottest hours. Healthier adults can still work out outside, but location matters. Parks away from main roads usually feel better than roadside routes.

If smoke smells strong or throat irritation starts, reduce intensity and shorten the session. Heat safety also matters today, so going early, resting in shade, and hydrating can prevent problems before they start.

Conclusion

Bangkok’s 7:00am citywide PM2.5 average (28.6 µg/m³) sits within the stated standard (37.5 µg/m³), although a handful of districts still read higher than the city average. Today’s heat, plus a 20% thunderstorm chance and gusty winds, means plans should stay flexible, and people should avoid large trees, buildings, and unstable billboards during gusts. Conditions can shift quickly, so it helps to recheck official readings later today.

Sources: Nation Thailand report; Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre; Thai Meteorological Department.

Update policy: We update this page if official readings or warnings change.