Government measures fall short, experts say, as air quality index (AQI) readings become more hazardous in Thai capital.

Back when the Honolulu rail system opened in the summer of 2023, you could ride it for free on the first weekend. If you're going to be in Thailandʻs capital this week, you can ride any form of public transit for free — but for a very different reason.

Economic damage from opportunity loss caused by air pollution, exceeding an average of 100µg/m³ on the Air Quality Index (AQI) in and around Bangkok over a one-month period, has been estimated at about THB3 billion (US$89.

Economic damage from opportunity loss caused by air pollution in and around Bangkok over a one-month period has been estimated at about 3 billion THB (89.4 million USD).

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration urged people to work from home for the rest of the week if they can, with air pollution forecast to worsen after already forcing the temporary closure of more than a dozen schools.

Air pollution in the Thai capital forced more than 350 schools to close on Friday, city authorities said, the highest number in five years. The reading makes the Thai capital currently the world's seventh-most polluted major city.

Jan 1

Flying through Bangkok's cloudless blue skies, a small aircraft sprays a white mist over a thick haze of pea soup smog below.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered free public transport in Bangkok for one week, starting on Feb. 25, in a move to deal with the alarming air pollution in the capital city.

Air pollution in the Thai capital forced more than 350 schools to close on Friday, city authorities said, the highest number