Reduce incense for PM2.5 during Chinese New Year, Feb 16-17

Khaosod•Society•1d ago

Reader Briefing

Thai pollution control agency urges public to reduce incense and spirit paper burning during Chinese New Year to mitigate PM2.5 risks during a period of poor air quality.

•The Pollution Control Department (PCD) advises reducing incense and spirit paper burning during Chinese New Year.
•This is to mitigate PM2.5 dust and health risks associated with incomplete combustion.
•The advisory comes in response to expected poor air quality due to stagnant conditions from February 16-17, 2026.
•Areas for concern include Bangkok, its vicinity, the central region, and lower northern Thailand.

Overview

•The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is issuing advisories for the Chinese New Year period.
•Incomplete combustion from burning incense, firecrackers, and spirit money generates PM2.5 dust and toxic gases.
•Inhaling these pollutants can severely affect the respiratory system, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
•Fine dust particles PM2.5 are projected to increase between February 16-17, 2026, due to stagnant weather conditions.
•High-risk areas for PM2.5 accumulation include Bangkok, its surrounding provinces, the central region, and the lower northern part of Thailand.
•The PCD is promoting the slogan 'Reduce pollution, increase good fortune' to guide public practices.
•The PCD encourages citizens to adopt alternative practices such as using shorter or electric incense sticks and reducing the amount and duration of burning spirit paper.
•If burning is necessary, the PCD advises doing so in open, well-ventilated areas outside buildings or opting for prayer and intention instead.

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Key Quotes

Surin Worakijthamrong

"A silent threat from Chinese New Year traditions: burning incense, firecrackers, and spirit money is incomplete combustion, not only causing PM2.5 dust but also carcinogens and toxic gases attached to smoke."

ภัยเงียบจากประเพณีเทศกาลตรุษจีน การจุดธูป ประทัด และการเผากระดาษเงินกระดาษทอง เป็นการเผาไหม้ที่ไม่สมบูรณ์ ซึ่งนอกจากจะก่อให้เกิดฝุ่น PM2.5 แล้วยังมีสารก่อมะเร็งและก๊าซพิษอื่น ๆ เกาะมากับกลุ่มควัน

Surin Worakijthamrong

"The trend of fine dust particles PM2.5 is likely to increase between February 16-17, 2026."

แนวโน้มสถานการณ์ฝุ่นละอองขนาดเล็ก PM2.5 มีแนวโน้มขยับสูงขึ้นระหว่างวันที่ 16-17 กุมภาพันธ์ 2026

Surin Worakijthamrong

"Reduce pollution, increase good fortune."

ลดมลพิษ เพิ่มมงคล

Key Entities

Organization

Pollution Control Department (PCD)(คพ.)ℹ️

The Thai government agency issuing advisories on air pollution and environmental practices.

Person

Surin Worakijthamrong(นายสุรินทร์ วงกิจธำรง)

Director-General of the Department of Pollution Control (PCD) who is quoted in the article.

Stat

PM2.5ℹ️

The specific type of fine particulate matter that is the focus of pollution concerns.

Place

Bangkok(กรุงเทพมหานคร)ℹ️

A major city in Thailand identified as an area requiring monitoring for PM2.5 accumulation.