Around 2.4 million people in Thailand have been suffering from health problems linked to air pollution since the beginning of the year, the country’s health officials said, parts of which are suffocating under a toxic cloud.
Poor air quality has prompted 2.4 million people to seek treatment since January, with 184,465 hospitalizations this week alone, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, public on Wednesday.
Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai were among the most polluted cities in the world as of Thursday morning, according to air quality monitoring company IQAir.
dr Grandpa said breathing problems, dermatitis, eye infections and a sore throat were among the most common reasons for a consultation.
Health authorities have urged people to use high-quality N95 protective masks, close windows and doors, spend as little time outdoors as possible and exercise indoors.
“Today there is so much smog. I’m coughing so bad,” said one surfer on Facebook. “I have a sore throat. I took a COVID test but it’s not that. If I see the level of pollution, that could be it.”
The toxic “smog” is linked to smoke from wildfires and stubble burning by farmers, as well as emissions from vehicles and industries, experts say.
Thailand has a population of more than 70 million and poor air quality has become a hot topic ahead of the May 14 election, with the outgoing government accused of not doing enough to address the problem.