City Hall urges working from home in polluted Bangkok

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In: South-East Asia

According to BMA, toxic dust pollution is expected to worsen in the capital region starting next week.

PUBLISHED: 17 Jan 2025 at 17: 47

A man waiting for a bus near Chatuchak Park wears a face mask to avoid inhaling dangerous dust particles on Jan 7. (Photo: Pormprom Satrabhaya)
On January 7, a gentleman waiting for a vehicle near Chatuchak Park removes a face mask to prevent inhaling harmful dirt particles. ( Photo: Pormprom Satrabhaya )

In light of concerns about worsening air pollution, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is urging residents of the city to work from home for three nights the following year.

According to a Facebook information posted on Friday, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is requesting assistance from personal and public sector companies to help employees who work from home from Monday through Wednesday.

Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, a spokeswoman for BMA, said the decision was based on a weather forecast that suggested at least 35 of the capital’s 50 districts may be covered in risky tiny particles molecules, known as PM2.5, which could lead to waste degrees in the orange area.

He continued, adding that the more than 80 hot spots that were found in the money between Saturday and Wednesday also contributed to poor air flow and ventilation.

If dust levels are determined to be harmful to health, the official said the work-from-home approach may be considered for the entire following week.

When the PM2.5 focus is measured at between 37.6 and 77.0 microgammes per square metre, an region is designated orange. People in magenta areas are urged to wear face masks and limit outside activities.

Additionally, the BMA gave the BMA’s school executives the option of deciding whether to close them during the three-day window. Additionally, it was stated that City Hall leaders may use their own judgment when making decisions about whether to work from home or to work from home.