PUBLISHED: 13 Jan 2025 at 08: 34
On Monday, Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt will make an announcement regarding a new work-from-home plan and expanding the city’s fresh air house project, which aims to prevent PM2.5 fine dirt pollution.
Mr Chadchart on Sunday reported improvements in the city’s air quality, with PM2.5 levels averaging 24.9 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³ ) due to favourable weather conditions, strong winds and high ventilation rates. However, he said sand levels are expected to rise suddenly on Wednesday.
The government also mentioned programs to reduce work-from-home measures to encourage voluntary cooperation, which will also reduce traffic congestion, one element driving up PM2.5 amounts. On Monday, facts of the rules may be revealed. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is preparing to use three strategies to address the PM2.5 dust problem. We will work from home if the PM2.5 amount reaches a critical stage that threatens open heath, he said.
Additionally, BMA will shut down schools and forbid traffic entering internal Bangkok on wheels of lorries. BMA spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala highlighted the BMA’s work with various organisations, including the Thai Health Promotion Foundation ( ThaiHealth ), the Public Health Ministry’s Department of Health and Fulfill Social Enterprise Limited Partnership.
These actions are intended to inform individuals about the dangers that air pollution poses for their wellbeing. Initial involvement for the program is 32 BMA universities, and it will grow to 437. As part of the project, 405 air quality panels may be provided to classrooms by the Fulfill Social Enterprise Limited Partnership. To day, 382 panels have been handed over, with 17 products in the shipping process.
The BMA’s Department of Education even plans to create dust-free rooms for school students in 429 institutions in the 2025 fiscal year, covering 1, 996 rooms. Improvements include air-conditioning, air systems and carbon monoxide displays. In order to promote green city development, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability, the BMA is also working with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority ( MEA ) to install solar panels in schools.
The program is targeting medium and large colleges, and will start with a test at 50 with regular energy bills exceeding 50, 000 ringgit later this month, said Mr Aekvarunyoo.