PUBLISHED: 3 Feb 2025 at 19: 31
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) has vowed to create more “dust-free classrooms” in its network of schools by the end of the year.
Bangkok chancellor Chadchart Sittipunt spoke at a new community examination in Watthana district, highlighting the value of responding to public concerns, especially those relating to environmental and public health issues.
On the issue of heat pollutants, Mr Chadchart confirmed that 744 out of 1, 966 schools are earmarked to be upgraded into dust-free schools in 437 BMA-run institutions.
By the end of the year, he said, the rest will be converted into dust-free rooms.
Of the 437 institutions, 429 also operate preschools.
Every BMA-run school will finally have air conditioning units and filters to protect pupils from PM2.5 waste, which just forced classes to remain suspended, according to Mr. Chadchart.
However, problems remain about personal preschools without such technology.
War on sand
The BMA is attempting to provide each center with air quality monitoring equipment this yr, according to Mr. Chadchart.
Instead of sweeping or dusting schools every day, the Department of Health has urged schools to use damp cloths to clean them.
Additionally, it advises installing air filters, sealing windows and doors, and maintaining a sound air system in the rooms. Now, over 2, 000 institutions and childcare areas globally have established dust-free areas.
Bangkok residents continue to experience unhealthy air quality, with Monday’s PM2.5 levels exceeding the safe limit of 37.5µg/m ³ in 66 areas.
The three most polluted districts were Bung Kum ( 64µg/m³ ), Nong Chok ( 63.8µg/m³ ) and Lat Krabang ( 61.7µg/m³ ). Bangkok’s wind patterns from Monday to Sunday are expected to further reduce air pollution scattering, keeping PM2.5 rates elevated.