Ms Chanthira’s assurance came yesterday (Mar 27) as Swiss-based IQAir reported over ‘100’ levels of PM2.5 pollution across much of central Phuket, and a reading of 117 at Kata.
IQAir reported a reading of 122, in the ‘orange’ zone, in Kathu, and over 100 much of on Wednesday afternoon. One local resident remarked, “There is still haze today, but it is not as bad as yesterday.”
Of note, readings over 100 are designated ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’.
Similarly, AQI.cn reported the Thalang Town area reaching ‘red’ levels of over 150 at four different reporting times throughout Wednesday.
IQAir today again reports ‘orange’ readings of well over 100 across much of central Phuket, with a reading of 143 in Srisoonthorn.
AQI.cn today shows that many of the air-quality reporting stations that as of yesterday were still reporting unhealthy air-quality readings are now “nearly” offline. The offending stations no longer send PM2.5 readings. Other data appears to be getting through.
Regardless, Ms Chanthira said, “From what I checked, the air quality measurement station in Talad Yai, near the Phuket Public Health Office, has not sent any warning signals, which I believe means it is still healthy.”
She said that air pollution levels are monitored in real-time, with a warning issued if pollution reaches 37.5 milligrammes per cubic metre. “That’s the threshold where we consider it necessary to alert the public,” she said.
Ms Chanthira pointed out that neighbouring provinces Phang Nga and Ranong (sic) recorded higher readings, reaching 38.9 on Wednesday.
“I always monitor the air quality situation closely,” she assured.
“On Wednesday, Phuket’s reading was only 29,” she said.
Ms Chanthira assured that the Thai government’s Air4Thai app and website “provides the most accurate air quality updates for Thailand, as they are operated by the Thailand Pollution Control Department”.
“The only accurate app or website for Thailand is Air4Thai, not air quality data from foreign websites,” she said.
Ms Chanthira made no comment on why Air4Thai remained a constant ‘Green’ air quality reading for Phuket despite the contradicting reports.
She also made no comment on the source of the readings for air quality reporting platforms such as IQAir and AQI.cn.
The AQI.cn reading for Thalang on Wednesday was reported as 141. AQI.cn openly reports that the reading came from Air Quality monitoring station 868333032108462 with data provided by CUSense by Chulalongkorn University
This air quality monitoring station is even defined as located at "Shell, 402, Tawan Place, Thalang, Phuket Province, 83110, Thailand".
For no reasons given, the reporting station is no longer sending data.