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| A river in Thailand is covered in fog-like smoke due to air pollution | Photo: AFP |
Air pollution in Thailand's capital Bangkok has reached alarming levels, forcing the closure of more than 352 schools across the city. Authorities have also urged residents to work from home, while restrictions on heavy vehicle traffic have been implemented to reduce emissions.
The air quality crisis, which peaks during the winter months, is largely driven by vehicle exhaust and the burning of crop stubble in agricultural areas. Seasonal pollution has long plagued Thailand, with Bangkok ranking as the sixth most polluted city globally on Thursday morning, according to IQ Air, a Swiss air quality monitoring organization.
The primary pollutant, PM 2.5 microscopic particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream has reached hazardous levels of 122 micrograms per cubic meter. Exposure to such levels of PM 2.5 has been linked to severe health issues, including cancer.
In response, Bangkok's Metropolitan Authority closed 194 of its 437 schools on Thursday. This marks the largest school shutdown due to air pollution since 2020. Additionally, 58 of 156 schools under the Central Government's Department of Basic Education have suspended classes. The status of private schools remains unclear.
Efforts to combat the smog, such as government incentives to stop crop burning and the spraying of cold water or dry ice into the air, have yielded limited results. Opposition leaders have criticized Thai Prime Minister Phet Thongsinghe, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Natthaphon Ruengpaniaut, leader of the People’s Party, took to Facebook to voice public frustration: “While the prime minister is breathing clean air in Switzerland, encouraging more investment in Thailand, millions of Thais are struggling to breathe polluted air.”
Bangkok's residents now await more decisive action to address the city’s escalating air quality crisis.