Bangkok schools closed due to air pollution

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Thai authorities on Friday closed over 350 schools in the capital Bangkok due to air pollution, according to local media.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has ordered the closure of all of its 352 schools and holding online classes due to the city’s poor air quality, the media outlet Khaosod English reported.

Bangkok is currently the world's fourth most polluted city, according to the Swiss-based air quality monitor IQAir.

The number of schools closed on Friday is the highest since 2020, when all 437 schools in the city were closed due to air pollution.

The cancer-causing microparticles, or PM2.5 pollutants, hit 108 micrograms per cubic meter, the IQAir noted.

Local authorities urged people to avoid going outside homes, to work from home, and also restrict entry of heavy vehicles into the city.