Thai labour minister pushes for stricter PM2.5 protections for outdoor workers and riders

Insured workers under Sections 33 and 39 of Thailand’s Social Security Scheme, who fall ill due to PM2.5 exposure are entitled to receive medical treatment without upfront payment at hospitals covered under their Social Security benefits.

Thailand’s Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong has voiced concerns over rising levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), warning that air pollution exceeding safety standards in many areas is posing a direct risk to workers’ health, particularly those who work outdoors, informal workers, and delivery riders.

Cited in a statement on Friday (7 February 2026), Minister Trinuch said prolonged exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of respiratory, eye, and skin diseases, prompting her to instruct the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to strictly enforce preventive measures across workplaces.

She called on employers and establishments to provide appropriate protective equipment, including PM2.5-filtering masks such as N95 respirators, for employees required to work outdoors. Employers were also urged to adjust work plans by modifying working hours or reducing outdoor work duration during periods when dust levels reach critical or "red" levels, as well as to monitor employees’ health on a regular basis.

Construction workers were singled out as one of the most vulnerable groups, due to their dual exposure to ambient air pollution and work-related dust from activities such as drilling and cutting concrete or ceramics. The minister noted that this type of dust can accumulate in the respiratory system and alveoli of the lungs, significantly increasing health risks.

She also highlighted concerns for informal workers and riders who do not have a direct employer and spend long hours on the roads. As highlighted, data shows this group faces heightened exposure to vehicle exhaust and PM2.5 throughout the day. Research further found that polluted working conditions can reduce work efficiency, increase fatigue, and raise the risk of accidents, while also slowing delivery times.

In that vein, riders were urged to wear high-filtration masks at all times while working, ensure proper mask fit, and closely monitor their health. At the same time, those experiencing symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, chest tightness, or severe eye irritation were advised to stop work immediately and seek medical attention. Minister Trinuch also encouraged riders to check air quality levels via mobile applications before starting work and to avoid areas with high pollution concentrations where possible.

In addition, insured workers under Sections 33 and 39 of Thailand’s Social Security Scheme, who fall ill due to PM2.5 exposure – including respiratory symptoms, eye inflammation, or skin irritation, are entitled to receive medical treatment without upfront payment at hospitals covered under their Social Security benefits.

Photo / Ministry of Labour Thailand