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Khlong Luang, situated in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand (coordinates 14.0647, 100.6458), occupies a crucial position within the Greater Bangkok metropolitan area. The city’s geography is characterised by a relatively flat alluvial plain, typical of the Chao Phraya River basin. This low-lying terrain, with an elevation generally below 10 meters, influences air dispersion patterns, potentially trapping pollutants during periods of atmospheric stability. Khlong Luang is interwoven with a network of *khlongs* (canals), remnants of a historical transportation system, which, while providing local cooling, can also contribute to localised humidity and stagnant air. Surrounding the urban core are significant agricultural lands, primarily rice paddies, alongside expanding residential and industrial zones. The proximity to Bangkok’s industrial belts to the southwest, particularly along the Bang Na-Trad Highway corridor, introduces a significant source of regional air pollution. The urban-rural gradient is rapidly diminishing as Bangkok’s sprawl extends northward, increasing population density and vehicle emissions. This transition zone experiences a complex interplay of rural emissions (agricultural burning) and urban pollutants, impacting local air quality. The city’s location within a tropical monsoon climate further complicates air quality dynamics, as seasonal wind patterns and rainfall play a critical role in pollutant dispersal and removal.

Khlong Luang’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by Thailand’s tropical monsoon climate. The dry season, typically from November to April, sees the poorest air quality. Reduced rainfall means pollutants accumulate, and cooler temperatures can lead to temperature inversions, trapping emissions near the ground. Agricultural burning, common during this period to prepare fields for the next planting season, significantly exacerbates particulate matter levels. February and March are often the most challenging months. The onset of the southwest monsoon in May brings a dramatic improvement. Heavy rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, and increased wind speeds aid dispersion. June to October represents the wet season, generally offering the cleanest air. However, localised flooding can create stagnant conditions and promote mould growth, impacting indoor air quality. November sees a transition period, with decreasing rainfall and increasing pollutant concentrations. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly in February and March. Wearing masks and using air purifiers indoors are recommended. Monitoring weather forecasts for wind direction and inversion conditions is also advisable.