Emergency measures introduced as dangerous smog engulfs Bangkok

The authorities in Bangkok have introduced emergency measures in response to the serious deterioration in the city’s air quality.

For several days, a toxic smog has hung over the Thai capital. At times, Bangkok was ranked fourth in the statistics of cities with the world’s worst air pollution, published by the Swiss company IQAir.

In South-East Asia, the air was only worse in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

The Thai authorities ordered the closure of 350 schools in the city area on Friday, 100 more than the day before, the Khaosod newspaper reported. The population was again urged to go outside as little as possible, keep their windows closed and work from home if that was an option.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that most public transport, including the famous Skytrain and buses, would be free to use from Saturday until next Friday. The government hopes that during this time, 20 to 30% more people will switch to buses and trains, relieving the overcrowded roads of traffic.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that 2,700 lorries were stopped on Thursday because they were travelling on an important ring road despite a driving ban. The drivers face a prison sentence of one month or a fine if convicted.

According to IQAir, Bangkok’s air pollution level was around 16 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value.

The causes of the smog, which has been a severe problem for many years, are thought to be heavy traffic, the use of fossil fuels and the numerous factories that have sprung up in a belt around Bangkok.

The authorities in Bangkok have introduced emergency measures in response to the serious deterioration in the city’s air quality.

For several days, a toxic smog has hung over the Thai capital. At times, Bangkok was ranked fourth in the statistics of cities with the world’s worst air pollution, published by the Swiss company IQAir.

In South-East Asia, the air was only worse in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

The Thai authorities ordered the closure of 350 schools in the city area on Friday, 100 more than the day before, the Khaosod newspaper reported. The population was again urged to go outside as little as possible, keep their windows closed and work from home if that was an option.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that most public transport, including the famous Skytrain and buses, would be free to use from Saturday until next Friday. The government hopes that during this time, 20 to 30% more people will switch to buses and trains, relieving the overcrowded roads of traffic.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that 2,700 lorries were stopped on Thursday because they were travelling on an important ring road despite a driving ban. The drivers face a prison sentence of one month or a fine if convicted.

According to IQAir, Bangkok’s air pollution level was around 16 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value.

The causes of the smog, which has been a severe problem for many years, are thought to be heavy traffic, the use of fossil fuels and the numerous factories that have sprung up in a belt around Bangkok.