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The full screen thick layer of smog covers Bangkok. Picture taken in February 2024. Photo: Sakchai Lalit/AP/TT
Over 350 schools have closed due to air pollution in Thailand’s capital Bangkok. Now public transport in the city will be free for a week in an attempt to curb the pollution.
Already on Thursday, authorities in the big city invited all residents who could work from home and demanded restrictions on all vehicle traffic.
On Friday, 352 were closed by the total of 437 schools – the largest number since 2020, when all were closed due to smog.
Starting Saturday, Bangkokbor will be able to ride a bus and tram for free, says Transport Minister Suriya Juangroonsruangkit.
– We hope this will help reduce the pollution, he says.
Seasonal periods of severe air pollution often affect Thailand, where cold stagnant winter air combined with exhaust gases from vehicle traffic and smoke from sweat mills are stated as some of the causes.