Faced with hazardous air pollution exceeding 15 times the WHO’s safe limit, Bangkok city authorities have urged employees to work remotely until February 16th. This directive applies to both public and private sector entities, potentially impacting over 60,000 workers.
Bangkok’s governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasised the severity of the situation, with at least 20 districts experiencing unhealthy PM2.5 levels and calm weather expected to prolong the crisis. This comes as Bangkok ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with experts warning of potential health risks from the noxious haze.
The city’s action reflects a growing concern over air quality in Thailand. Stubble burning, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust contribute to regular spikes in pollution during early months, leading to over 2 million people seeking medical attention in 2023.
The government has acknowledged the issue, vowing to make tackling air pollution a ‘national agenda’. A draft Clean Air Act was recently endorsed, and a court in Chiang Mai ordered the government to develop an urgent action plan within 90 days. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as Bangkok grapples with the immediate health risks posed by its current smog crisis.