Bangkok – Bangkok officials have continued with an operation to reduce particulate matter or PM 2.5 in the air using drones, and will on Saturday have 47 small airplanes from the Bangkok Aviation Center join the effort against air pollution above Rama 2 Road, the most critically affected area. The Bangkok Governor’s office has requested clearance for the operation from the Civil Aviation Authority, but has acknowledged that some areas may be off limits.
Bangkok has employed farming drones to spray water in six of the most critical areas of PM 2.5 concentration. The drones can carry up to 10 liters of water and fly approximately 50 meters off the ground. They are spraying water in areas including Chatuchak Market, Lumphini Park, Rama 9 Bridge and Kasetsart University.
Bangkok Governor Pol Gen Assawin Kwanmuang admitted that the use of molasses in initial sprays was ill-informed but explained it was due to such a mixture being used on farms. The operation has switched to clean water on the guidance of relevant agencies. Drone flights are to continue until the situation improves.
The governor has encouraged construction site operators in Bangkok to join in discussions on reducing PM 2.5 levels and indicated he may ask all homes to install sprinklers on their roofs to add to the effort. Sprinklers may also be attached to the BTS sky train while Bangkok district offices have been told to organize Big Cleaning Days.
Mobile medical units are being organized by the capital’s health and medical offices. They will provide free care across all 50 Bangkok districts, starting Saturday at Mathanusorn community in Bang Kor Laem district.
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