BANGKOK, 18 March 2014 – People in some districts in Bangkok have become afflicted by the worsened air quality brought about by Monday’s fire at the rubbish dump in Bang Pu industrial estate in Samut Prakan province.
Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra said residents in several areas of Bangkok have started complaining to City Hall about the smoke problem from Samut Prakan. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Environment is already collaborating with the Department of Pollution Control to monitor impacts on residents, and to set up public relations teams that will disseminate knowledge of how to protect against the smoke. Officials from the Health Department will also swiftly visit areas where the pollution is deemed health-threatening.
M.R. Sukhumbhand suggests that people avoid areas with heavy smoke, and use cloths to cover their mouth and nose while trying to avoid inhaling smoke.
Bangkok areas that have already been affected by the smoke include Bang Na, Saphan Sung, Lat Krabang and Prawet. Healthcare and environment officials from City Hall have already been dispatched to check on people in Bang Na who have become afflicted by smoke.
