Cambodia refutes claims linking its haze to Bangkok pollution

PHNOM PENH, 13 February 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment has rejected claims that haze from the Kingdom is contributing to worsening air quality in Bangkok, citing current monsoon wind patterns and meteorological analysis.

In a statement released Friday, the ministry said technical assessments show prevailing dry season monsoon conditions – known as the Northeast Monsoon – direct airflow from north to south or northeast to southwest across mainland Southeast Asia. Under these trajectories, air masses move away from central Thailand rather than drifting northwestward from Cambodia toward Bangkok.

Officials stressed that assertions of smoke haze moving from Cambodia to Bangkok are inconsistent with current meteorological conditions. Experts explained that transboundary movement of PM2.5 particles depends heavily on wind direction, speed, and atmospheric stability.

Analysis indicates haze occurring in Cambodia typically disperses locally or moves southward, not against prevailing winds toward Bangkok. The ministry noted that while transboundary haze can occur under shifting weather, continuous monitoring is essential.

Based on present data, Cambodian sources are not contributing to Bangkok’s pollution, the ministry concluded.