BANGKOK, Jan 17 (TNA) – The Thai government orders urgent
measures and coordination among related agencies to tackle acute smog problems
in Bangkok.
Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya called a meeting
with Bangkok Governor and heads of various agencies on Thursday.
The meeting reviewed measures implemented so far by all
agencies in their efforts to battle the persistent smog with alarming levels of
PM2.5, fine dust particle smaller than 2.5 microns.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Pollution Control
Department, Disease Control Department, Health Department, Traffic Police
Division and bus operator discussed how to improve and coordinate their efforts
for effective results.
Stricter law enforcement has been in place to prevent
against vehicles emitting excessive exhaust fumes and reduce the number of
diesel-engine vehicles.
They vowed to intensify efforts to ease the problem,
including cleaning roads, spraying water in high-risk area and conducting
artificial rain.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed all relevant
agencies to find additional measures to deal with the haze that has caused
public health concerns.
Experts say overall Bangkok’s air quality has average PM2.5 level
of 51 to 90 micrograms, which are above Thailand’s safe limit of 50 micrograms.
The PM2.5 level has not reached 200 micrograms, or stayed
above 90 micrograms for several consecutive days, that warrant emergency
measures.
Although smog situation have seen the PM2.5 level rise in
some areas and at certain times, many critics slam authorities for failing to
protecting people’s health.(TNA)
