IQAir’s air quality index report listed Southeast Asian cities among five most polluted globally. The air monitoring organization ranked Ho Chi Minh City at second position, followed by Phnom Penh and Bangkok in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
According to a Reuters report, a thick smog enveloped Bangkok’s skyline. This was reported to cause severe discomfort to the people of Bangkok.
Government Action
To address this pollution, the government has initiated a week of free public transport, announced Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit.
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In order to address this pollution, the government took action. The Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced a week of free public transport. In addition, authorities shut down approximately 300 schools for the week, according to a Reuters report.
In a social media post, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that companies and government agencies should allow staff to work from home. The intention is to reduce car use. In addition, he also said that construction sites should be using dust covers.
IQAir reported that the concentration of fine inhalable particles in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest urban area, was 11 times above the levels advised by the World Health Organization.
A few weeks ago, officials declared Hanoi the most polluted city in the world. This prompted officials to take quick action. Officials warned about the health hazards associated with air pollution and recommended the public wear masks and eye protection.
Governments across Southeast Asia were advocating for long-term measures to reduce pollution, such as implementing a carbon tax and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.