A Bangkok school tackling air pollution with technology
At Panyarat High School (PHS) in Bangkok, students don’t just learn science—they live it. Widely recognized as one of Thailand’s leading schools for math, science, and technology, PHS has woven air quality education into the fabric of student life.
Bangkok is a city where air pollution is a persistent health concern; their innovative use of an IQAir AirVisual Monitor shows that protecting students’ health is just as important as their academic performance.
An educational environment built around clean air awareness
Rooted in the legacy of the Rattanapian family—renowned Thai educators and former Ministry of Education leaders—PHS was founded to develop capable, compassionate citizens ready to lead in the 21st century. The school’s curriculum blends Thai cultural values with global readiness, emphasizing critical thinking, STEM skills, and environmental responsibility.
Orrawee Rattanapian, School Manager at PHS, oversees operations and many of the school’s programs. “We want our students to graduate not just with knowledge, but with the curiosity and responsibility to improve their world—including the air they breathe,” Orrawee says.
How air quality data drives school safety decisions
PHS utilizes the AirVisual monitor to collect air quality data—this data in turn drives daily decision-making. Each day, students and staff can check the current AQI (Air Quality Index) on the device’s digital readout, while a large, color-coded flag in the center of campus visually signals the day’s air quality level. These colors are backed by a detailed response policy that changes based on PM2.5 levels:
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Moderate: Monitor students with health conditions.
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Unhealthy: Cancel outdoor P.E. classes, close windows and doors.
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Hazardous: All outdoor activities stopped, masks advised; potential school closure.
These clear, data-driven responses make invisible air pollution risks tangible and understandable for students. “The flag system is simple, visible, and creates a shared sense of responsibility,” Orrawee explains. “It turns air quality awareness into something every student can act on, every single day.”
Schoolwide Impact—and Global Reach
PHS students are not just learning about air quality; they’re part of the solution for cleaner, safer air. Classroom discussions, science projects, and even cross-curricular initiatives often incorporate the real-time AQI data gathered by their AirVisual monitor.
Publishing their data on the IQAir AirVisual platform has been simple and intuitive, allowing the school to reach a wider community with minimal technical barriers.
“The platform makes it easy for us to share our air quality data with the public,” said Orrawee. “We can focus on education and student safety, knowing the data is reaching people who need it.”
With over 1 million followers on their IQAir contributor profile, PHS has become one of the most-watched school air quality stations in the world. Their data doesn’t just inform local decision-making—it feeds into IQAir’s global air quality map, helping millions of users worldwide better understand regional and international air pollution trends.
PHS’s participation is part of IQAir’s larger global school air monitoring initiative, where educational institutions across continents are helping build one of the world’s most comprehensive, citizen-driven air quality data networks.
“We’re proud that our air quality data helps not just our students, but people across Bangkok,” Orrawee said. “It’s meaningful to know our monitoring station is making a difference beyond our campus.”
By sharing data openly for more than six years, PHS demonstrates that education, health, and environmental responsibility are deeply interconnected.
Conclusion
Panyarat High School is redefining what it means to prepare students for the future. By integrating IQAir’s air quality monitoring technology with a culture of innovation and academic excellence, the school transforms air quality into a learning experience.
In Bangkok, where air quality can change quickly and affect daily life, PHS equips students with tools and knowledge to protect their health and well-being.
“Air quality awareness has become part of how we care for our students, our neighbors, and our city,” Orrawee says. “It’s one more way we live our mission of education with purpose.”
