The air pollution in Bangkok has become so bad that 200 schools had to close on Thursday. The levels of harmful pollutants, known as PM2.5, reached 122 micrograms per cubic meter, which is far above the safe limit of 15 set by the World Health Organization. The thick smog has been affecting people’s health, making it hard to breathe and causing eye irritation. Authorities are urging everyone to limit outdoor activities and take precautions, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
With the pollution so bad many schools have shut down leaving thousands of students at home. Some will reopen in a day while others might stay closed for a week depending on how the air quality changes. The government has also restricted large trucks in some areas and asked people to work from home but only about 100,000 people have signed up so far.
Pollution is a recurring issue in Bangkok, especially during the winter months when cold air traps smoke from vehicles and crop burning. This week, the city was ranked as the sixth most polluted major city in the world. Though the government has tried measures like spraying water and dry ice into the air, they haven’t had much effect. Critics are now pointing out that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is attending a conference in Switzerland, should be paying more attention to the pollution back home.
Right now, people in Bangkok are being urged to stay indoors, wear masks, and limit outdoor activities as much as possible. Authorities are also advising people to stay informed about air quality updates. Experts warn that if the pollution doesn’t improve soon, it could cause serious health issues in the long run, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Source: The Daily Star
