Taipei's Fight Against Air Pollution

Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, has been suffering from extremely high levels of air pollution, which has caused school closures and employees being ordered to work from home. The city has tried to combat this issue by banning large trucks from entering downtown during rush hours, firing water cannons into the air, and seeding clouds to clear the air. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has also suggested that the next steps could include a temporary suspension of construction work and a limit on diesel cars in the inner city.

Bangkok's air pollution reaches unhealthy levels

Bangkok, Thailand's capital, has long struggled with air pollution, with the city frequently listed as one of the most polluted in the world. In February 2024, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) measured an unhealthy 156, with some areas reaching over 163. As a result, city officials ordered employees to work from home for two days, with private-sector workers encouraged to do the same.

Bangkok's air pollution is caused by a range of factors, including vehicle emissions, factory pollution, and the burning of forests and agricultural waste. The Thai government has taken steps to address the issue, such as banning large trucks from entering downtown Bangkok during rush hours and enforcing emission controls. However, enforcement of these preventative measures is often lacking, and Bangkok's air quality continues to deteriorate.

The effects of Bangkok's air pollution are felt by its residents, with many experiencing short-term issues such as sore throats, respiratory problems, and headaches. The pollution can also cause serious long-term health issues as the microscopic particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and move further into the body. As a result, mask usage has become prevalent among Bangkok's residents, with the government distributing N95 masks that protect against PM2.5 dust.

To combat air pollution, the government has also deployed cloud-seeding planes to induce rain and clear the air. In addition, the UN Environment and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition are working with various Thai agencies to implement clean air measures, such as shifting to stricter vehicle emission standards and promoting the use of electric vehicles.

While Bangkok's air pollution remains a significant challenge, these efforts by the government and international organizations demonstrate a commitment to improving the city's air quality and protecting the health of its residents.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attributes 25% of Bangkok's pollution to vehicle emissions

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who served as Thailand's 30th prime minister from 2023 until his dismissal on 14 August 2024, has been engaged in discussions around pollution in Bangkok, the country's capital. Bangkok has been known for its high levels of pollution, with vehicle emissions being a significant contributor.

Bangkok's Air Quality Information Centre has reported pollution levels ranging from 9.5 to 25.8 µg/m³. While these figures indicate relatively mild pollution, the issue is exacerbated by the presence of toxic smoke and fumes from vehicles, particularly older buses and trucks that are in a state of disrepair. These emissions contain harmful substances such as PM2.5 dust, which has led to the distribution of N95 masks to protect residents from its adverse effects.

Diesel fumes from cars have been attributed to 50-60 percent of Bangkok's pollution, according to the Department of Pollution Control. However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has attributed 25% of the city's pollution to vehicle emissions, a significant but slightly lower percentage than the Department's assessment.

To address the issue, the Thai government has implemented measures such as banning large trucks from entering downtown Bangkok during rush hours and enforcing emission controls. Additionally, Prime Minister Thavisin has expressed a commitment to reducing electricity costs and promoting household solar initiatives, recognising that pollution problems are linked to the global economy.

While efforts are being made to combat pollution in Bangkok, the enforcement of preventative measures has been inconsistent, and older polluting vehicles continue to operate, contributing to the city's air quality issues.

The government has banned large trucks from entering downtown Bangkok during rush hours

Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, has been suffering from poor air quality for many years. The air pollution in Bangkok is extremely palpable and can cause sore throats, respiratory ailments, and headaches, especially during rush hour. The problem has led to school closures and other disruptions, with the city being ranked as the fourth most polluted city in the world in February 2025.

The Thai government has implemented several measures to combat this issue, including banning large trucks from entering downtown Bangkok during rush hours. This measure aims to reduce traffic density and limit vehicle emissions, which contribute significantly to the city's air pollution. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated that about 25% of Bangkok's pollution comes from vehicle emissions.

The government's decision to ban large trucks from downtown Bangkok during rush hours is a targeted approach to reducing traffic-related pollution. By restricting these large vehicles from entering the city centre at peak times, the government aims to decrease the concentration of pollutants in the area. This move is part of a broader set of actions, including exploring long-term goals and quick solutions to ease the environmental crisis.

The ban on large trucks during rush hours is a strategic move by the government to address the immediate challenges posed by air pollution in Bangkok. It is a step towards the broader goal of improving air quality and reducing the health risks associated with toxic emissions. Additionally, this decision underscores the government's recognition of the problem's urgency and its commitment to taking proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of Bangkok's residents.

The enforcement of this ban is expected to have a positive impact on the city's air quality, particularly during the rush hours when pollution levels tend to spike. By reducing the number of large vehicles on the roads, the amount of toxic fumes emitted will decrease, contributing to a healthier environment for Bangkok's citizens. This measure also highlights the need for stricter emission controls and the importance of regular maintenance for older vehicles, ensuring they are not releasing excessive pollution.

The burning of forests and agricultural waste are major contributing factors to air pollution in Thailand's north

Thailand has been ranked as the 28th most polluted country out of 98 countries in IQAir's 2019 World Air Quality Report. The country's capital, Bangkok, has always topped the list of the most polluted cities in Thailand. However, in recent years, Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, has overtaken Bangkok in terms of pollution levels.

The burning of forests and agricultural waste are major contributing factors to the air pollution in Thailand's north. In recent decades, biomass burning has been a significant source of air pollution in northern Thailand, especially from January to April. This period is known as the ""burning season", during which local farmers start wildfires and deliberately set forest fires. Forest fires are believed to increase forest product yields, especially the highly prized and seasonally available earth star mushroom. To collect these fungi, farmers burn the forest floor to make it easier to find the mushrooms and stimulate their growth.

The burning of agricultural fields is also common during the burning season. Projects like the Huai Luek Royal Project have encouraged farmers to move away from monoculture, particularly the slash-and-burn cultivation of corn, towards diversified crops like Nam Dok Mai mangoes and avocados. These initiatives have played a crucial role in reducing air pollution from crop burning.

In addition to agricultural burning, other sources of air pollution in Thailand include emissions from vehicles, factories, and power plants. Diesel fumes from cars contribute to 50-60% of pollution, while the burning of rubbish and crops accounts for about 35%. To combat this, the government has implemented measures such as banning large trucks from entering downtown Bangkok during rush hours and enforcing emission controls.

Air pollution in Bangkok has led to school closings and other disruptions

Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, has been suffering from severe air pollution, which has resulted in multiple disruptions to daily life. The air pollution in Bangkok has been attributed to various factors, including vehicle emissions, the burning of forests and agricultural waste, and overcrowding. The situation has become so dire that authorities have been forced to take action, leading to school closures and other measures to combat the issue.

On January 24, 2025, Bangkok authorities announced the closure of more than 350 schools across 31 districts due to hazardous air quality. The decision was made after the air quality index (AQI) hit 159, which is considered unhealthy, with high levels of PM2.5 pollutants. PM2.5 refers to cancer-causing microparticles small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. The levels of these pollutants reached 108 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation of a 24-hour average exposure of no more than 15 for most days of the year.

In addition to school closures, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration implemented several other measures to address the air pollution crisis. They offered free public transport for a week to reduce traffic and the number of vehicles on the road. The government also banned the burning of leftover crops and restricted the entry of heavy vehicles, such as six-wheel trucks, into certain parts of the city. Additionally, city officials encouraged people to work from home, following the lead of city employees who were ordered to do so for two days in February 2024.

The economic impact of Bangkok's air pollution is also significant. According to the Kasikorn Research Centre, if the pollution continued for a month, it could cost the city between three and six billion baht ($88-$177 million). The Thai government has recognized the urgency of the situation, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra calling for tougher measures, including limiting construction in the capital and seeking cooperation from neighboring countries. These disruptions and efforts to mitigate air pollution in Bangkok highlight the city's ongoing struggle to balance economic development and environmental sustainability.

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