Thailand: smog, particulates set off alarm bells, with appeals for smoke-free Chinese New Year
Low temperatures and fog have caused a pollution emergency in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. The situation is bad in 64 out of the country’s 76 provinces. In 2024, one million people sought medical attention due to air pollution, at a cost of US$ 90 million. People are urged not to burn replica money as a lucky charm for Lunar New Year.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) – High levels of particulates (PM2.5) in Bangkok and other large Thai cities due to low temperatures and fog have triggered a countrywide health alarm and pushed the authorities to take urgent and incisive measures.
The crisis caused by the convergence of weather factors, vehicle traffic and fossil fuel burning have reduced air quality in 64 out of 76 provinces, worse when compared to the high levels reported at the end of the last fiscal year (December 2024), when more than a million people sought medical attention for air pollution-related problems priced at three billion baht (almost US$ 90 million).
Recent measures are designed to reduce the public health impact of a problem that is getting worse every year, as well as limit costs, the Ministry of Health reported.
For this reason, the authorities are planning a campaign to raise awareness on digital platforms and through local volunteer networks, as well as set up particulates-free venues for the most vulnerable groups and encourage remote work wherever possible.
The measures include mobile clinics and emergency health teams operating in community centres, hospitals, schools with hostels and senior centres; in the worst cases, emergency centres will be set up by all levels of government.
The goal is to implement the anti-pollution guidelines previously developed by the ministry.
In Bangkok, the plan to contain PM2.5 entails free rides from 25 to 31 January on the city’s metro rail services; over the last weekend (25-26 January), this resulted in a 45 per cent surge in ridership.
Although many observers doubt the effectiveness of the initiative, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is steadfastly behind it.
Other proposals have raised eyebrows. Deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksanusak urged Sino-Thais (11 per cent of the country’s 69 million people) to refrain from burning paper replicas, joss paper and joss sticks for Chinese New Year (29 January); instead, they should use virtual, digital or electronic alternatives that have less impact on air quality.
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