Hello and welcome to the details of IQAir report: SE Asian cities among top five most polluted in the world, with Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Bangkok on the list and now with the details
Nevin Al Sukari - Sana'a - A boat navigates the Chao Phraya river as skyscrapers are seen amid high air pollution levels in Bangkok January 21, 2025. Air pollution in the Thai capital forced the closure of more than 350 schools on January 24, city authorities said, the highest number in five years. — AFP pic
BANGKOK, Jan 24 — South-east Asian cities were among five most polluted in the world today according to air-monitoring organisation IQAir, with Ho Chi Minh City ranked second-most polluted, followed by Phnom Penh and Bangkok fourth and fifth, respectively.
In the Thai capital, a thick smog was seen covering the city’s skyline. Workers, especially those who spend most of their time outdoors, were suffering.
“My nose is constantly congested. I have to blow my nose all the time,” said motorcycle taxi driver Supot Sitthisiri, 55.
Air pollution is caused by a combination of crop-related burning, industrial pollution and heavy traffic.
A BTS Skytrain runs along its tracks amid high levels of air pollution in Bangkok January 24, 2025. Bangkok officials announced free public transport for a week in a bid to reduce traffic in a city notorious for noxious exhaust fumes. — AFP pic
In a bid to curb pollution, the government is allowing free public transportation for a week, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said.
Some 300 schools in Bangkok were closed this week, according to the city administration.
“They should take more action, not just announce high dust levels and close schools. There needs to be more than that,” said Khwannapat Intarit, 23.
“It keeps coming back, and it’s getting worse each time.”
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said in a social media post that companies and government agencies should allow staff to work from home to reduce car use and construction sites should be using dust covers.
“The government is fully committed to solving the dust problem,” she said.
A speed boat sails along the Mekong river amidst high air pollution levels in Phnom Penh on January 24, 2025. — AFP pic
In Vietnam’s largest city, IQAir said the level of fine inhalable particles in Ho Chi Minh City was 11 times higher than the recommended level by the World Health Organisation.
Weeks earlier, the capital Hanoi was ranked the world’s most polluted, prompting authorities to issue a warning about the health risks from air pollution and urging the public to wear masks and eye protection.
Governments in South-east Asia were pushing for longer-term solutions to bring pollution down including a carbon tax and promoting the use of electric vehicles. — Reuters
A fishing boat sails along the Tonle Bassac river as haze from air pollution is seen in the background in Phnom Penh January 23, 2025. — AFP pic
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