Artificial Intelligence tool for forecasting and controlling air pollution related to PM2.5 in the nation

In an effort to improve air quality and safeguard public health, the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), the Pollution Control Department (PCD), and satellite operator Thaicom have joined forces to develop an AI-powered platform for managing PM2.5 dust pollution in Thailand.

The collaboration aims to provide early warnings for pollution, enabling authorities to respond effectively and communities to better protect their health. The platform will integrate upper air data such as temperature inversion and wind speed, along with real-time PM2.5 concentrations from monitoring stations.

Assoc Prof Dr Weerachai Acharaporn, governor of TISTR, highlighted the importance of reliable data and advanced AI analysis for proactive pollution management. Thaicom CEO Pathompob Suwansiri states that satellite data will be combined with AI modeling to improve forecasting accuracy.

The AI-powered platform is expected to deliver real-time nationwide tracking of PM2.5, cloud density, and air flow. It will also use meteorological data and machine learning to forecast pollution hotspots up to seven days in advance using space technology.

Priyaporn Suwannakes, director-general of the PCD, emphasizes the importance of advanced planning for air quality management. The project's enhanced prevention and response measures are anticipated to significantly contribute to both air quality management and public health.

The forecasts will be displayed on a web-based dashboard and will also feed into the government's "Burn Check" application. This initiative is expected to provide more systematic and proactive air quality management approaches.

The collaboration between TISTR, PCD, Thaicom, and other agencies is seen as a significant step in public-private collaboration. The ultimate aim of the project is to safeguard public health in Thailand. The platform's features include real-time tracking of PM2.5, cloud density, and air flow, making it a valuable tool for both authorities and the general public.