Southeast Asian cities have made global headlines for their alarming levels of air pollution, with Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam ranked the second most polluted city in the world on Friday, according to air-monitoring organisation IQAir. Following closely behind, Phnom Penh in Cambodia and Bangkok in Thailand were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.
In Bangkok, a thick smog blanketed the city’s skyline, creating an unhealthy environment for residents, particularly outdoor workers. Supot Sitthisiri, a 55-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, described his daily struggle, saying, “My nose is constantly congested. I have to blow my nose all the time.”
The pollution in the region is attributed to several factors, including crop-related burning, industrial emissions, and heavy traffic. In response, the Thai government has introduced measures such as offering free public transportation for one week in an effort to reduce pollution. Additionally, approximately 300 schools in Bangkok were closed this week, as part of efforts to protect students and staff.
However, many residents are calling for stronger measures. Khwannapat Intarit, a 23-year-old local, expressed frustration, saying, “They should take more action, not just announce high dust levels and close schools. There needs to be more than that.”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also weighed in, urging companies and government agencies to allow staff to work from home to cut down on traffic-related pollution, and recommending that construction sites use dust covers. “The government is fully committed to solving the dust problem,” she stated in a social media post.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the situation is similarly dire. IQAir reported that fine inhalable particles were 11 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended safe level. Earlier this year, Hanoi was also ranked as the world’s most polluted city, prompting health warnings and calls for citizens to wear masks and protective eyewear.
Governments in the region are now pushing for longer-term solutions to combat the pollution crisis. Proposed measures include the introduction of a carbon tax and the promotion of electric vehicles, as part of a broader effort to reduce emissions and improve air quality. However, the ongoing air pollution remains a significant challenge, and authorities are under increasing pressure to take immediate and effective action.
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