Thailand’s Air Pollution Hits Record Levels, Over 300 Schools Shut Down | WPN World People News

Thailand authorities have stated that due to severe air pollution, they have been forced to close up to 350 schools, marking the highest number since 2020. Meanwhile, Bangkok authorities have announced free public transportation for one week in an effort to reduce traffic flow.

Bangkok officials explained that the seasonal air pollution regularly affects this Southeast Asian nation, with stagnant atmospheric conditions over Thailand, combined with pollutants from farmers burning rice straw and vehicle emissions, creating severe air pollution. According to data from IQAir, PM2.5 levels in Bangkok last Friday reached 108 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit, making Bangkok one of the most polluted major cities in the world.

On Thursday last week, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued an order to ban rice straw burning and threatened legal action against those involved. Traditionally, farmers burn rice straw to eliminate field pathogens and improve soil fertility, but the resulting smoke causes significant environmental damage.

In parallel, to reduce vehicle pollution, Thailand's Minister of Transport announced free public transportation in Bangkok for up to one week, including light rail, subway, and bus systems, hoping the policy will help decrease pollution. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last Thursday, called for more stringent measures to address the pollution issue, including limiting construction in the capital and seeking cooperation with neighboring countries.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that in 2024, 242 million children’s education will be impacted by climate-related disruptions. At the same time, climate change is expected to exacerbate air pollution, which is considered a "secondary impact of climate-related harm."