Participants map real-time air pollution shifts at the BAQ 2026 Bangkok Air Walk

The activity followed two pre-planned routes from the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) to a café in Ban Phan Thom, allowing participants to capture variations in air quality across different urban environments.

Participants observing air quality readings
Participants observing air quality readings

More than 50 people joined, including representatives from AirGradient, Clean Air Asia, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Thailand Pollution Control Department (PCD), Bloomberg, and other regional and internation stakeholders.

Dr. Ittipol Pawarmart holding the lead monitor while leading their group
Dr. Ittipol Pawarmart holding the lead monitor while leading their group

Route design and monitoring

Short route of the Bangkok Air Walk
Map showing the short route of the Bangkok Air Walk

 

Long route
Map showing the long route of the Bangkok Air Walk

Participants chose between two pre-planned routes: a short route of approximately 24 minutes and a longer route of approximately 47 minutes. They carried AirGradient Go portable monitors that recorded PM2.5 concentrations while walking through sidewalks, construction sites, high-traffic zones, and other street environments. Lead devices were connected to a live dashboard, allowing those at the UNCC to track group movements and see air quality readings in real time.

Live dashboard at the UNCC
Live dashboard at the UNCC displaying real-time air quality data and participant progress

Data collected during the walk showed rapid, localized changes in PM2.5 levels over short distances. Notably, spikes were recorded at traffic intersections and beneath elevated roads with heavy vehicle flow, at construction sites, and near street-side vendor cooking areas.

Mr. Achim Haug presenting the initial findings of the Bangkok Air Walk
Mr. Achim Haug presenting the initial findings of the Bangkok Air Walk during the post-walk discussion

Findings showed that air pollution exposure can change within seconds or just a few steps, depending on immediate surroundings.

Exposure and local impacts

PM2.5 pollution hotspot detected by portable monitors near a street vendor area
PM2.5 pollution hotspot detected by portable monitors near a street vendor

The exercise prompted reflection on broader urban air quality issues, including the impact on individuals with limited ability to avoid exposure, such as street vendors, drivers, and outdoor workers. Participants also discussed the need for improved infrastructure, safe pedestrian routes, and cleaner public transport systems.

Inspiring future activities

The Bangkok Air Walk demonstrated how portable air quality monitoring can translate real-time data into immediate, location-specific insights. While not a replacement for regulatory monitoring networks, participants noted portable air quality monitors’ value as a complementary tool for understanding exposure patterns and supporting community-level awareness and advocacy.

Mr. Abid Omar of Pakistan Air Quality Initiative listening to the presentation of preliminary results
Mr. Abid Omar of Pakistan Air Quality Initiative listening to the presentation of preliminary results

Further, several participants expressed interest in replicating similar “air walk” in their own cities to better visualize and communicate air pollution exposure.