Choking on smog, Bangkok gives free public transport to try to cut car emissions

Подробнее о видео

(25 Jan 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bangkok - 25 January 2025
1. Various of electric train, known as the "Skytrain" pulling into station
2. Various of passengers alighting and others waiting to board train
3. Various of passengers going through gates
4. Interior of train showing passengers, many wearing masks against the pollution
5. Various of trains and passengers

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bangkok - 24 January 2025
5. Various of Bangkok skyline, shrouded in smog

STORYLINE:
Thai authorities have made travel by public transport in Bangkok free for the next week - the latest tactic to try to tackle soaring levels of air pollution that have already seen hundreds of schools closed and employees working from home.

The travel concession began Saturday, with passengers allowed to ride buses and electric trains in the capital without charge.

Authorities hope the move will cut the number of private cars on the road, so reducing one key factor driving the surge in pollution.

On Friday, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her concern in a statement on her Facebook page.

She said her government is fully committed to solving the situation with short- and long-term measures.

Air pollution has been a problem for many years in Thailand’s north, where the burning of forests and agricultural waste are major contributing factors.

But in recent years Bangkok has also begun to suffer with extended periods of high levels of PM2.5 pollutants, especially during the cooler months.

These microscopic particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and then move further into the body, causing both short-term bronchial problems and serious long-term health issues.

Among factors blamed are car and factory emissions and dust from building sites.

On Saturday, the Swiss-based commercial monitoring service IQAir ranked Bangkok as being the world’s 14th most polluted city, with an air quality it categorized as borderline unhealthy for everyone.

AP video shot by: Jerry Harmer

===========================================================

Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: info@aparchive.com.

Find out more about AP Archive:
Twitter:
Facebook: ​​
Instagram:


You can license this story through AP Archive: