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Kaeng Khoi, nestled in Saraburi Province, Thailand, occupies a geographically significant position within the Central Plains. The city’s coordinates (14.5862, 100.9976) place it roughly 160km northeast of Bangkok, acting as a crucial transport hub connecting the capital to northeastern Thailand. The terrain is largely flat to gently undulating, characteristic of the Chao Phraya River basin, with an elevation around 58 meters above sea level. This relatively low elevation contributes to potential air stagnation. Surrounding Kaeng Khoi is a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily rice paddies and fruit orchards, interspersed with areas of scrubland and forest cover on the lower slopes of the Phetchabun Range to the west. The Pasak River flows nearby, but its influence on local air circulation is limited. The city’s location along major road and rail corridors, coupled with increasing industrial activity in Saraburi Province, introduces significant sources of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; moving away from the city centre quickly leads to cleaner air, but prevailing winds can carry pollutants from Bangkok and industrial areas towards Kaeng Khoi, impacting air quality. The lack of substantial natural barriers to air flow exacerbates this effect.

Kaeng Khoi experiences a distinct tropical monsoon climate, shaping its air quality patterns. The dry season, roughly November to April, sees consistently higher pollution levels. Cooler temperatures during this period encourage temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. Agricultural burning, a common practice to clear land after harvest, significantly contributes to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) during February and March, creating hazy conditions. The onset of the southwest monsoon in May brings relief, with increased rainfall washing away pollutants and stronger winds dispersing them. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants. The wet season, lasting from May to October, generally offers the best air quality, though localised flooding can disrupt traffic and increase vehicle emissions. November marks 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 February to April. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from the southwest can bring pollutants from Bangkok, while those from the northeast may carry agricultural smoke. Avoiding peak traffic hours is also advisable.