Cities of Southeast Asia are among the five with the largest air pollution in the world, according to the IQAIR air quality monitoring company, with Ho Chi Minh’s second place in cities with the most contaminated air, while O. PENX and Bangkok is in fourth and fifth place respectively.

In the capital of Thailand thick fog seemed to cover the horizon line. The authorities of the Bangkok metropolitan area decided “To close 352 schools (…) due to air contamination”while already on Thursday, more than 250 schools remained closed due to pollution and many residents were encouraged to work from home and limit the use of vehicles in the city.

The Minister of Transport also announced today that the use of most public transport will be free for a week in the capital.

Bangkok, Skytrain, and buses, and buses will be free of charge on Saturday, Minister Surija Juangroongoangitt said in reporters. “We hope that this measure will help reduce pollution”.

Employees, especially those who spend most of their working time outdoors, suffer.

“My nose is constantly clogged. I need to blow it up ‘, said 55-year-old Supot Sithiri, a motorcycle driver.

Atmospheric pollution is due to a combination of agricultural burns, industrial pollution and intense road traffic.

“They should take more measures, not only to announce high levels of dust and close schools. It needs to be done more than that ‘, He also said a 23 -year -old, Kouanapat Irrite.

“It is done again and again and every time it is worse”, added.

Thailand Prime Minister Patongarted Sinawiatra said in her posting on social media that companies and government services will allow their staff to work from home to reduce the use of cars and that sites should be used for dust.

‘Government’s commitment is complete to resolve the problem with dust’he noted.

According to Iqairin the largest city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, the levels of fine suspended particles exceeded 11 times those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

A few weeks earlier, the capital of Hanoi ranked among the most infected in the world, forcing authorities to issue a warning of health risks from air pollution and call people to wear masks and protect their eyes.

Southeast Asian countries are pushing for longer -term solutions to reduce air pollution, including carbon tax and promoting the use of electric vehicles.