Bangkok (VNA) - Bangkok experienced the highest air pollution levels in Thailand on January 7, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations reaching hazardous levels across all 50 districts of the capital, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Bangkok stood as the only city blanketed by red-coded (seriously hazardous) levels of fine dust pollution among 63 provinces battling thick smog late Thursday morning, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda).
At 10 a.m. on the same day, PM2.5 levels in Bangkok averaged 88.6 µg/cu.m over 24 hours—more than double the government’s safety limit of 37.5 µg/cu.m. The worst-affected district, Bang Kho Laem, recorded levels of 96.7 µg/cu.m.
The surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, and Pathum Thani also reported hazardous red levels of PM2.5, with concentrations ranging from 79.1 to 83.6 µg/cu.m.
In contrast, 16 provinces, including Chiang Mai in the north and several southern provinces like Krabi, Phuket, and Songkhla, reported safe PM2.5 levels between 24 and 37.3 µg/cu.m. Krabi recorded the country’s best air quality.
Several other provinces recorded PM2.5 levels in the orange range, between 37.7 and 74.8 µg/cu.m, where air quality starts to pose health risks.
Authorities continue to monitor and address the pollution, which poses serious health concerns for residents and visitors./.

See more

Cambodian general highlights strength of Indochinese solidarity in fight for liberation
General Sao Sokha emphasised that during the war, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia needed mutual support to gain independence, and in peacetime, they must continue to work together to maintain peace and achieve sustainable development.

ASEAN must strengthen climate cooperation: Malaysian official
No country can face the climate crisis alone but together ASEAN can lead, given the bloc’s abundant natural resources, growing markets and young population.

Malaysia imposes anti-dumping duties on PET plastic imports from China, Indonesia
The ministry said the investigation concluded that PET from China and Indonesia had been entering the Malaysian market at prices below the domestic selling prices in the respective exporting countries, causing material injury to Malaysia’s domestic PET industry.

Malaysian PM inspects preparations for 46th ASEAN Summit
The 46th ASEAN Summit, which will be held on May 26 and 27, will bring together 10 leaders of ASEAN member states to discuss regional issues and foster economic cooperation as well as champion the principles of inclusiveness and sustainability.

Malaysia, Japan commit to advancing regional decarbonisation
Malaysia and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing regional decarbonisation and sustainable growth under the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) initiative.

Myanmar junta extends temporary ceasefire
The junta had initially declared a temporary ceasefire from April 2 to 30 to accelerate rescue and resettlement operations following the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28.

Cubavisión Internacional spotlights Vietnam as Asia’s economic engine in 2025
The programme, entitled “Vietnam – Asia’s Economic Engine in 2025”, hailed Vietnam’s rise as the region’s second largest economy and its path toward a record-breaking export in 2025. This success, it noted, not only reinforces its geopolitical standing but also compels Western nations to take greater notice of the governance model led by the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Indonesia halts Worldcoin eye-scanning crypto project
Since its launch in 2023, millions of people worldwide have had their iris patterns scanned to create a "World ID", a form of identification that proves they are human and allowing them to conduct transactions.

Initiative to position Malaysia as Southeast Asia’s digital hub
Malaysia's digital agenda implementation has received enthusiastic support from major industry players, spurring demand for local talent and accelerating technology skills development.

Malaysia’s investment growth in 2025 faces challenges
Malaysia's 5% approved investment target, though challenging, can be attained if investments from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Europe, Middle East and Australia increase.

Thailand’s tourism officials wary of Vietnam
Thailand recorded 2.7 million tourists in March, down 20% from the 2019 level, while Vietnam tallied more than 2 million tourists in the same month, up by 40% from 2019.

Thai products have chance to enlarge US market share
Several Thai products, including pet food and rice, are poised to gain a larger market share in America amid escalating US-China trade tensions, according to the Thai Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).

Indonesia proposes to develop pilgrims' village in Mecca
Having a dedicated area close to the Grand Mosque would greatly benefit Indonesian pilgrims, particularly the elderly, by facilitating easier access to religious sites, according to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

ASEAN business leaders push for economic integration
At the 46th ASEAN Summit to be hosted by Malaysia, ASEAN-BAC will present the PEDs along with several other reports to regional leaders.

Malaysia hosts consultative meeting of Young Parliamentarians of AIPA
The second consultative meeting of Young Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) was held in Selengor, Malaysia, on May 6.

Vietnam helps Cambodia escape from genocide: Senate President
Without Vietnam's support at that time, no country could have helped Cambodia overthrow the bloody Pol Pot genocidal regime, Hun Sen said.

Vietnamese Party leader’s visits help tighten relations with Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan: Int’l media
The state visits by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are expected to further strengthen relations between Vietnam and the Central Asian countries, according to international media.

Malaysia initiates tariff talks with US
He said the negotiations will be held virtually, led by Deputy Secretary-General (trade) MITI, Mastura Ahmad Mustafa as Malaysia’s chief negotiator, alongside the Assistant US Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Sarah Ellerman.

Jakarta authorities emphasise religious harmony in building a global city
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stated that harmony among religious communities is a vital foundation supporting the capital’s ambition to become a global city.

Cambodia highlights ASEAN's role in shaping rules-based world order
ASEAN has a vital role to play in shaping a world order grounded in legal frameworks and a stronger foundation of democracy and justice, said President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Techo Hun Sen.