BANGKOK, Feb 1 (TNA)– Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha asks people to reduce the use of diesel vehicles in greater Bangkok to alleviate toxic dust.
In his statement, Gen Prayut said hazardous levels of particulate matter with 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter started to affect public health in Bangkok and five adjacent provinces plus Samut Songkhram.
He said the government was implementing short-term solutions including controlling smoke from vehicles and factories, dust at construction sites and field burning. The government was also clearing construction sites on roads, spraying water and cleaning roads.
“Despite the efforts, the levels of PM2.5 do not fall because a lot of private vehicles with diesel engines are used in greater Bangkok. Without ventilation, PM2.5 shrouds the areas.”
“Therefore, the government would like to ask motorists to stop driving private vehicles with diesel engines in greater Bangkok or use them only when it is necessary until the situation is alleviated. This is because the incomplete combustion of the engines is the biggest cause of the dust,” Prime Minister Prayut said.
As for long-term solutions, he said, public transport systems would be expanded and connected, oil and emission standards would be improved, and clean energy and vehicles would be promoted.
He apologized for inconveniences caused by his request and said he hoped people would cooperate. (TNA)
