Bangkok’s pollution levels force over 350 schools to close

Bangkok: Bangkok hit the headlines for dubious distinction because Thailand’s capital was declared as among the most polluted cities in the world. As per the Swiss-based IQAir, more than 350 schools were ordered to close as the air quality of the city reached a ‘poor’ quality on Friday. The government has advised the commuters to use public transport instead of private vehicles in a view to improve the air quality.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration on Thursday announced the closure of more than 250 schools in the city amid increasing air pollution. Officials encouraged people to work from home and not go outside with their vehicles. However, the air quality of a well-known tourist destination recorded at 168, which was considered ‘unhealthy,’ while the level of PM2.5 pollutants—cancer-causing microparticles that sometimes enter the bloodstream through the lungs—hit 108 micrograms a cubic meter, according to IQAir.

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Interior minister Anutin Charnvirakul urged people to stop stubble burning due to the increase of air pollution. Another minister categorically said on Friday that public transport would be free in the city for a week so that people keep their vehicles indoors. The capital’s skytrain, metro, light rail system, and bus services will remain free for commuters, transport minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is in Switzerland attending the World Economic Forum, urged taking tough steps to curb pollution and cut down construction work in the capital, seeking help from neighbouring nations.