Millions of lives claimed worldwide by extreme particulate matter levels and health problems for 10 million Thais
In Thailand, the National Council for Economic and Social Development is raising the alarm about the health impact of air pollution, with more than 10 million affected last year. The government is being called for urgent action as Bangkok's battle with pollution and the impact on the health of its residents is raising international concern.
Krittai Thanasombatkul, a 29-year-old doctor and author, whose life and death from lung cancer drew attention to the dangers of PM2.5 pollution, has left a powerful message posthumously. His story underlines the serious health risks of air pollution and inspires action for cleaner air in Thailand.
A picture paints a thousand words. This certainly applies to Thailand, a special country with an interesting culture and many cheerful people, but also a dark side of coups, poverty, prostitution, exploitation, animal suffering, violence and many road deaths. Today a photo series about air pollution and particulate matter.
Chiang Mai battles smog for tourism boost
Tourism leaders in Chiang Mai are raising the alarm about increasing smog problems, just as the peak tourist season is just around the corner. They are calling for swift government action, for health, environmental and economic reasons, to keep the city a clean and attractive destination.
Smog alert in Thailand: New health crisis coming?
Thailand, facing the return of smog season, fears an emerging health crisis. Rising concentrations of particulate matter PM2.5, especially after the rainy season, endanger millions of people. In this article we examine the current situation, the measures taken and the possible consequences for public health.
Statement of the Week: "Thailand is going to lose tourists due to the poor air quality in the dry season!"
Thailand is shooting itself in the foot by failing to act adequately against an annually recurring problem. The persistent poor air quality in the dry season is a problem that the Thai government is not taking sufficient action against.
Concerns with the Thai government about high concentrations of particulate matter in the country
Acting government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri has said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is concerned about the smoke and forest fires in northern Thailand because the fine dust particles in the air (PM2.5) are very dangerous to people's health.
The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent warning to residents of Bangkok about the dangers of PM2.5 particulate matter in the air, noting that it can cause skin rashes and allergies, as well as affect your lungs.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to address air pollution problems in all areas and bring air quality up to international standards.
Air pollution with particulate matter back to dangerous levels
The Bangkok Municipality Pollution Center (BMA) reports an increase in the concentration of particulate matter of 2,5 microns (PM2,5) in Nong Khaem district in the west of the city and Khlong Sam Wa district in the east.
The three northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son are the hardest hit by the smog, the very dangerous particulate matter makes people sick and has to deal with respiratory and skin diseases, among other things.
Chiang Mai has the worst air quality in the world
Chiang Mai is the most polluted city in the world. Since the beginning of March, the city has been among the top three cities with the worst air quality, but Chiang Mai is doing even worse than the other cities. The USAQI has been at 195 for many consecutive days, followed by Beijing at 182, IQ AirVisual said Tuesday.
Thai transport sector against temporary ban on trucks in Bangkok
The Land Transportation Federation and the Imports-Export Transport Association strongly oppose the Bangkok City Council's ban on heavy truck traffic in the city. From December 1 to February, no trucks are allowed to drive in the capital from 6 a.m. to 21 p.m. in order to prevent the spread of particulate matter.
Bangkok will be under a blanket of smog and dangerous particulate matter for the next three days
Bangkok will be covered in dangerous smog for the next three days. That's because farmers set fire to sugar cane fields. The newly formed Center for Air Pollution Mitigation (CAPM) expects high levels of PM 2,5 dust particles in the capital and neighboring provinces, which are unhealthy for humans and animals.
Reader Submission: In the north of Thailand, an ineradicable stubborn “fire virus” is raging.
In Thailand, the Corona virus strikes heavily every day. Followed by various news media. But in Northern Thailand there is also a raging "fire virus" that has been created and maintained by the Thais themselves.
Smog in Thailand: 3.238 fires, mostly in the north
1.334 fires were counted in northern Thailand last Saturday. Across the country, 3.238 fires have been identified using satellite imagery provided by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency.
Prime Minister Prayut is considering a car ban in the fight against particulate matter and smog
Prime Minister Prayut says he is prepared to take draconian measures if the concentration of PM2,5 particulate matter exceeds 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air, so twice the safety limit used by Thailand and four times the limit used by the WHO. As an example, he mentions a driving ban for cars.