Bangkok Shrouded in Grey Smog

bangkok, thailand - The Thai capital is facing severe smog with air quality at its lowest levels, prompting school closures and health concerns.

Bangkok Facing Severe Smog

Bangkok is currently ranked the third-lowest in the air quality index by Swiss IQAir due to heavy smog. Northern and central parts of Thailand are also affected by toxic air.

On Friday, Bangkok reached a value of 188 on the air quality index, prompting residents to share photos of the thick, brownish-grey air on social media. Tourists in the city are witnessing the smog while enjoying cocktails at rooftop bars.

The Bangkok city government ordered the closure of all 352 schools, shifting to online classes due to the hazardous air. Private schools are not included in this decision. 48 out of the fifty districts in the city have been designated as red zones, posing health risks.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced measures to mitigate pollution impacts, including remote work for government officials and company employees, and cloud seeding to induce rainfall.

Weenarin Lulitanonda, co-founder of Thailand Clean Air Network, emphasized the need for immediate actions to address pollution, such as banning outdoor burning of agricultural waste, reducing vehicle emissions, regulating industries, increasing public awareness, and combating misinformation.

Lulitanonda's organization has been advocating for clean air in Thailand and drafting legislation to tackle recurring pollution and associated health risks. Proposed laws aim to establish safeguards against polluted air, create a supervisory body for enforcement, and set up a fund for pollution victims.

Agricultural industries are reportedly lobbying against certain provisions in the legislation, aiming to prioritize corporate interests. The legislative process timeline depends on the political will in Thailand.