In short
- Warning issued on 30 September 2026 by Phuket's Tourist Assistance Centre.
- AQI of 122 to 123 recorded in Cherng Talay, Karon and Koh Kaew.
- Wichit station: AQI 17 at 7am on 29 September 2026, 155 at about 11pm; clearer air expected by the weekend.
What to do
- 1Check the IQAir map or the AQICN station page before going out.
- 2Wear an N95 mask outdoors in the affected areas.
- 3If you are elderly, travelling with children or have asthma, avoid strenuous outdoor activity unless necessary.
Where is the air worst?
The warning, reported by the Bangkok Post, covers Cherng Talay, Karon and Koh Kaew, where the index reached 122 to 123. In that band, people with existing conditions may notice symptoms; others are unlikely to be troubled.
Figures from the Air Quality and Noise Management Division, based on Pollution Control Department data, put the Wichit station at AQI 17 at 7am on 29 September 2026, then 155 at around 11pm — the 151 to 200 band, which counts as unhealthy.
Who should take precautions?
The centre advised elderly people, children and anyone with a respiratory condition such as asthma to avoid strenuous outdoor activity unless necessary, and to wear an N95 mask outside. Once readings pass 151, everyone should limit prolonged exertion outdoors.
No travel restrictions were announced and no flights, ferries or other transport were reported as disrupted, and forecasters expect clearer air by the weekend. For the rest of your trip, see Phuket beaches, safety in Thailand and vaccines and health.
Sources
We cross-check each story against official pages and several media, and rewrite it in our own words for travellers.
