A total of 103 schools remained closed this Wednesday in Bangkok due to the high levels of pollution airea problem that has been affecting the capital of Thailand for days, where the authorities have recommended working from home and avoiding outdoor activities.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt explained that These closures are done out of necessity.given that the situation has not improved, and because it is estimated that until the weekend there will be bad records in the air quality index (AQI), which today stands at 137 points, which is considered unhealthy for groups sensitive.
In this sense, the level of PM2.5 particles (2.5 microns or less in diameter), the most harmful to health, oscillates this Wednesday around 50 mcg/m3, above the maximum of 37.5 that establishes Thailand as a health limit.
Image of Bangkok among the high levels of air pollution recorded in the city. / NARONG SANGNAK
The governor said that the recommendation to work from home will remain until Friday and that they will apply restrictions on heavy truck traffic starting tonight, while visibility has been reduced in the city as a result of the pollution of recent days, as EFE confirmed.
Los Air pollution levels often worsen in Thailand and other countries in the region during the dry seasonbetween November and April, due to various factors such as atmospheric conditions and stubble burning in agriculture, in addition to smoke from transportation and factories.
Chadchart explained that so far this year there have been more fires than in the same period in 2024, which caused the early arrival of dustwhich is why he urged citizens to report any burning they see in their communities, as well as to wear masks when they have to go out.
The World Health Organization advises avoiding exposure for more than 24 hours at PM2.5 concentrations greater than 25 mcg/m3, given the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular and cancer diseases associated with these particles that are so small that they can affect the bloodstream.
