Bangkok, as seen from a condominium in Bang Pho area, is covered with heavy smog on December 14 (Source: bangkokpost) Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered Government agencies to take drastic actions to fight the air pollution that has plagued Bangkok and its surrounding provinces in recent days.
He said the Government has continuously implemented measures against the surging PM2.5 levels but the problem has deteriorated due to the current weather.
The PM urged commuters to use public transport as much as possible and said the Government will consider introducing alternate-day private travel only in the capital.
The government's focus was on suppressing black emissions and the use of vehicles whose licences had expired, he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa said he had asked the Agricultural and Cooperatives Ministry to prohibit agricultural burning for the next three days in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has asked the Highways Department to continuously wash roads in an effort to reduce excessive PM2.5 levels in many areas across the city.
Bangkok and surrounding provinces had excessive PM2.5 levels in 66 districts on December 15, with the highest level of 118mcg/cm, much higher than the safe level of 50mcg/cm./.
VNA
