Thailand: Work from home recommended in smoggy Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is under severe air pollution. Authoritues have been advised people to work from home and wear face masks due to air pollution that has worsened to unhealthy levels in the capital. The officials also urged people to use public transport rather than private cars for commuting. The Officials also said the authorities would seek to reduce sources of pollution such as outdoor burning and construction activities. According to media reports, the number of patients experiencing pollution-related health problems more than doubled to nearly 213,000 this week, from about 96,000 last week. Most were experiencing respiratory tract problems as well as symptoms such as dermatitis or eye inflammation.

Agricultural burning and forest fires are major causes of air pollution in Thailand between December and April, especially in the northwest. Pollution from these fires also affects Bangkok, which already struggles with bad air due to its factories, construction, and traffic. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that the amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere in the capital has been increasing over the past two days,  According to Dr Ekachai Piensriwatchara, deputy director-general of the Health Department, the number of patients suffering from air pollution went up by about 90,000 in January from 110,000 last month.