BANGKOK (AP) – Thai authorities have implemented a week-long initiative to offer free travel on public transportation in Bangkok, starting from Saturday. This measure aims to address the alarming air pollution levels in the capital, which have led to the closure of hundreds of schools and prompted many employees to work from home.
The recent travel concession allows passengers to use buses, as well as elevated and underground electric trains, without any charge. Authorities anticipate that this initiative will decrease the number of private vehicles on the roads, which is a significant contributor to the ongoing pollution crisis.
Concerns regarding air quality have escalated, as expressed by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a statement on her Facebook page. She emphasized that her government is dedicated to tackling this critical issue through both immediate and long-term strategies.
Air pollution has afflicted Thailand for many years, especially in its northern regions, where practices such as forest burning and agricultural waste incineration are prevalent. However, in recent years, Bangkok has experienced prolonged periods of elevated pollutant levels, particularly during the cooler months, raising alarms about public health.
Microscopic particles from air pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to short-term bronchial issues and severe long-term health complications. Among the factors contributing to this situation are emissions from automobiles and factories, along with dust emitted from construction sites.
On Saturday, IQAir, a Swiss-based commercial monitoring service, ranked Bangkok as the 14th most polluted city worldwide, categorizing its air quality as borderline unhealthy for the general population. Earlier in the week, Bangkok had been listed among the top 10 cities globally, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention measures.
The Thai government's commitment to addressing the severe air pollution problem is evident in their recent initiatives. The free public transport initiative reflects an immediate effort to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality. Significantly, the pollution crisis in Bangkok necessitates a multifaceted approach, combining both short-term and long-term solutions to mitigate health risks and enhance the city's living conditions.
As the situation continues to evolve, the effectiveness of this free transportation initiative will be closely monitored, along with the implementation of further strategies aimed at reducing pollution and safeguarding public health in Thailand's bustling capital.
