Global Courant 2023-04-20 09:57:24
BANGKOK — About 2.4 million people in Thailand have sought hospital treatment for medical problems related to air pollution since early 2023, health officials said, as parts of the country are choked with toxic smog.
Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai were among the most polluted cities in the world on Thursday morning, according to air quality monitoring company IQAir.
There were 184,465 hospitalizations this week alone, Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary of the Department of Public Health, said Wednesday.
Dr. Grandpas said respiratory problems, dermatitis, eye inflammation and sore throat are among the most common medical problems.
Health officials have urged people to use high-quality anti-pollution N95 masks, close windows and doors, minimize time outdoors and exercise indoors.
“Today it’s so smog,” said a Thai Facebook user. “I have a sore throat and coughed so much. I did a test for Covid-19 but it’s not. Looking at the pollution level, that could be it.
Smoke from wildfires and farmers burning stubble have polluted the air in parts of the country, experts say.
Thailand is home to more than 70 million people and poor air quality has become a hot topic ahead of the country’s May 14 elections, with the incumbent government accused of not doing enough to address the problem. AFP
