BANGKOK, Jan 16 (TNA) – Smog in Bangkok has caused damage worth about 2.6 billion baht to health and tourism sectors, according to the Kasikorn Research Center.
Unhealthy dust particles triggered illnesses in greater Bangkok where at least 2.4 million people suffered allergies and respiratory illnesses and costs for illness treatment and protection amounted to 1.6-3.1 billion baht, the center said.
Besides, the weather problem prompted tourists to shift from Bangkok to other provinces and the losses of tourism opportunities were estimated at 1.0-3.5 billion baht, 2.5-4.5% of Bangkok’s tourism income in a month.
The damage was estimated for a one-month period from late last year when hazardous dust particles emerged.
The problem was a national challenge that all parties would have to join forces to cope, the research center said. (TNA)
