Clearing the air: Bangkok takes a breather with work-from-home push
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt today is rolling out a novel work-from-home initiative alongside a push to expand the clean air shelter project in more schools, all in a bid to tackle the city’s relentless PM2.5 pollution problem.
The 58 year old city chief noted a breath of fresh air yesterday, January 12, with improved air quality in Bangkok, as PM2.5 levels dipped to an average of 24.9 microgrammes per cubic metre, thanks to blustery weather and high ventilation rates. However, he has forecasted a possible dust surge by Wednesday.
The governor’s action plan includes streamlining work-from-home policies to encourage voluntary participation, which could incidentally ease the city’s notorious traffic congestion, a known contributor to PM2.5 levels. Full details are set to be revealed today, said Chadchart.
“The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to leverage three key strategies to combat PM2.5 dust. If levels hit a critical public health risk, we’ll be calling on both private and public sectors to embrace remote working.”
On top of that, the BMA may close schools and restrict six-wheel lorries from central Bangkok.
BMA spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala highlighted ongoing collaboration with groups like the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Department of Health under the Public Health Ministry, and Fulfill Social Enterprise Limited Partnership.
They’re joining forces to raise awareness among students about the health dangers posed by air pollution. The initiative kicks off with 32 BMA schools, aiming to eventually cover 437 schools.
As part of this project, Fulfill Social Enterprise Limited Partnership will deliver 405 air quality monitors to educational institutions. So far, 382 have been installed, with 17 more on the way.
Looking ahead, the BMA’s Department of Education is on a mission to create dust-free classrooms specifically for kindergarteners in 429 schools by the 2025 fiscal year, impacting 1,996 classrooms. This involves installing new air-conditioning, ventilation systems, and carbon dioxide monitors.
The BMA is also turning to solar power, teaming up with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to advance smart city development and environmental sustainability.
This solar panel initiative targets medium to large schools, commencing with a trial in 50 schools that have monthly electricity bills over 50,000 baht, later this year, Aekvarunyoo revealed.
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