The Pollution Control Department via its website Air4Thai.com reported that it had gathered the air quality situation in Bangkok and its perimeter from 53 probing stations. As of 7am on Thursday, the level of dust particulate matter not more than 2.5 microns in diameter or PM2.5 was at 27-66 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3). The safety standard used by the department is at 50 µg/m3 while the World Health Organisation prescribes PM2.5 levels at 25 µg/m3 in a 24-hour mean.

The nine districts with unhealthy air quality include Wangthonglang, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Lat Krabang, Bang Kho Laem, Khlong Toei, and Khlong Sam. Air quality in these areas was determined as unhealthy for sensitive groups such as people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children, who should limit prolonged exertion. However, the areas affected with PM2.5 are fewer compared to yesterday with 15 areas reported to fail the safety standard.

People can check air quality reports via Air4Thai mobile application and the website bangkokairquality.com

NBTC secretary-general Thakorn Tanthasit said that the MoU aims to increase the convenience of passengers and airport users by seeking suitable operators to provide 5G service via bidding methods.

“The NBTC will hold the bidding for four bands of frequency including 700 megahertz, 1800MHz, 2600MHz and 26 gigahertz, which should start from April 16 onwards,” he said. “Selected operators should be able to begin the installation of their equipment around March.”

Currently five operators have already submitted their envelopes, while other interested operators can still apply for the bidding before February 4.

Thakorn further added that this project also aims to expand the 5G service at airports into commercial use in the future, such as bringing new innovations to attract foreign tourists as well as future investors, which should help improve the country’s image as the airport is the gateway to Thailand for travellers.

“In the pilot phase, we will start providing 5G service at Suvarnabhumi Airport. If the project proves to be successful, we will expand to cover other airports especially in tourist provinces,” he added.

Thakorn also added that by June-July, the NBTC will start providing 5G service in the Eastern Economic Corridor, which is around the same time that Japan will provide 5G service during the opening of the Olympic Games in July 2020. “5G service will be beneficial to the aviation industry as well as other related industries such as tourism, logistics, export, agriculture and services,” he added.

He said soft domestic demand and the impact of the US-China trade war on some sectors suggest that a turnaround will remain elusive for now.

A protracted economic slowdown could lead to a surge in household debt, since depressed incomes increase people’s reliance on loans for daily spending, Tim noted.

A continued decline in imports points to weaker economic activity and suggests that Thailand has not yet benefited from investment relocation due to the US-China trade dispute.

“Domestic activity is unlikely to improve significantly in 2020,” he said. “Uncertainty surrounding the fiscal budget and rising political noise are contributing to our weak economic outlook, while external risks include the US-China dispute and Middle East tensions.”

“There is no clear evidence that Thailand is benefiting from the US-China trade war via investment relocation, and the increase in foreign direct investment may not be sustained. Therefore, we suggest the government and private sector invest in the country’s infrastructure, especially the Eastern Economic Corridor.”

The bank forecasts Bt29.25 to the dollar at the end of the first quarter. Thailand’s current account (C/A) surplus has risen again in recent months despite the elevated baht.

“Q1 is seasonally very positive for Thailand’s C/A balance and the baht, given strong tourism receipts,” Tim said. “Moreover, the expected delay in implementing the fiscal 2020 budget is likely to result in delayed capital disbursements.”

“This should also support the C/A balance in the short term by reducing capital-goods imports. The key risk to our constructive short-term baht view is the introduction of new and aggressive measures to limit appreciation.”

Tim said monetary policy will remain the primary tool to support the economy, at least through Q1. Significant fiscal stimulus is unlikely in the near term, given that the budget for fiscal 2020 is still being finalised.

“Even when budget disbursement starts, accommodative monetary policy will still be needed to complement fiscal spending. The government appears to be focused on providing a short-term boost to the economy via private consumption rather than on reviving investment.”

“We expect another 25-basis-point policy-rate cut by the Bank of Thailand in Q1, taking the rate to a record-low 1 per cent. This is a non-consensus call – markets seem reluctant to call for further cuts below the historical 1.25 per cent floor.”

“Beyond Q1, we do not rule out further cuts if the economic outlook remains weak.”

The Phitsanulok Provincial Health Office reported on Wednesday (January 22) that the level of pollutants in the air had risen to 57- 92 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3), exceeding the official standard of 50mcg per cubic metre and far beyond the WHO standard of 25mcg.

As of January 20, 3,516 persons had suffered respiratory problems caused by air pollution in nine districts of the province this year, including 742 in Mueng district and 692 in WangThong district. The record shows there were 15,432 persons with respiratory problems in 2019

The office has instructed related agencies to monitor the spread of respiratory sickness among people in the province, while health officials and volunteers will advise precautionary measures against the PM 2.5 dust particle, especially to the elderly.

Piya Siriluk, a doctor in Phitsanulok, warned people to reduce or stop activities that may lead to dust rising into the air.

Many in the province are using mist sprayers to alleviate the problem of dust coming from construction sites and traffics in nearby areas.

The province’s governor initiated the activities to improve the environment.    A volunteer participating in the event came across five envelopes with contents and found 200 methamphetamine pills in each of the envelope.

Local police were notified and the pills were taken for further investigation.

The major of the city pointed out that social events are helpful in unfolding illegal activities.

Daily trade volume was Bt72.91 billion, with an index high of 1,580.34 and a low of 1,566.86.

Stock analysts predict a further decrease before a rebound, due to recent news about the first coronavirus case identified in the US – which could hurt Thai tourism – economic recession in Hong Kong and a possible delay in disbursing Thailand’s budget for fiscal 2020.

Markets elsewhere in Asia on Wednesday:

Japan’s Nikkei Index closed at 24,031.35, up 166.79 points or 0.70 per cent.

China’s Shanghai SE Composite Index closed at 3,060.75, up 8.61 or 0.28 per cent.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index closed at 28,341.04, up 355.71 or 1.27 per cent.

South Korea’s KOSPI Index closed at 2,267.25, up 27.56 or 1.23 per cent.

Thung Khru police got the call at about 2pm and were soon at the bank inside a Tesco Lotus on Soi Pracha Uthit 58.

The security guard said the robber used his .38 pistol while ordering tellers to hand over an as-yet-unverified amount of cash, and then fled on a black Yamaha Fino motorcycle with no licence plate.

Witnesses described the suspect as 155-160 centimetres tall, slim and wearing a dark jacket, jeans and sneakers, black gloves, a purple motorcycle helmet and a blue backpack.

To prevent the same incident from happening again, officials were told to banish stray dogs from tourist areas.

Furthermore, all dogs on the beach must be accompanied by their owners while stray dogs would be captured and brought to a shelter. The directive will also apply on other beaches in Krabi.

The drafting of measures will be completed within 30 days, the governor said.