PATTAYA, Thailand - A "yellow level" PM2.5 alert has been issued for Pattaya after particulate levels reached around 30 µg/m³, officially classified as moderate. City Hall urged residents -- especially children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions -- to limit outdoor exposure. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet also encouraged the public to wear masks during periods of haze to reduce inhalation of fine dust.
But not everyone is impressed. Many residents argue the city's warnings always come after air quality has already declined, leaving Pattaya once again "playing catch-up instead of preventing the problem." Environmental groups have pointed out that Pattaya's recurring pollution comes from predictable sources -- construction dust, traffic congestion, and seasonal weather patterns -- yet long-term solutions remain slow or unclear.
Locals also question why Pattaya continues to market itself as a "world-class tourism city" while struggling with basics like clean air. Several residents on social media asked why construction sites and open-burning hotspots aren't monitored more strictly. Others say the city needs real enforcement, not just public announcements and reminders to wear masks.
Despite the criticism, City Hall maintains that conditions remain manageable and that teams are monitoring pollution levels closely. For now, residents are advised to stay alert, limit time outdoors when haze thickens, and follow the mayor's recommendation to wear masks if needed -- though many hope stronger action will eventually make those masks unnecessary.