Bangkok Launches Work-From-Home Policy to Combat Air Pollution

Work-From-Home Policy to Combat Air Pollution

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt plans to announce a work-from-home (WFH) policy and expand the city’s clean air shelter project to tackle persistent PM2.5 pollution.

On Sunday, Chadchart reported improved air quality, with PM2.5 levels averaging 24.9 µg/m³ due to favorable weather conditions and strong winds. However, he warned that dust levels are likely to increase again by Wednesday.

The WFH policy, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and its contribution to air pollution, will feature simplified guidelines to encourage voluntary participation. Chadchart stated that if PM2.5 levels reach a dangerous threshold, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will seek cooperation from public and private sectors to implement WFH measures.

Additionally, the BMA will close schools and restrict six-wheel or larger trucks from entering central Bangkok during critical pollution periods. BMA spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala emphasized ongoing collaborations with organizations such as the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Public Health Ministry’s Department of Health, and Fulfill Social Enterprise Limited Partnership to educate students about air pollution risks.

The clean air shelter initiative will initially involve 32 BMA schools, expanding later to 437 schools. Fulfill Social Enterprise is providing 405 air quality monitors for schools, with 382 already delivered and 17 en route.

The BMA also plans to establish dust-free kindergarten classrooms in 429 schools during the 2025 fiscal year, equipping 1,996 classrooms with air-conditioning, ventilation systems, and carbon dioxide monitors.

In support of renewable energy and sustainability, the BMA is collaborating with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) to install solar panels in schools. This initiative targets medium and large schools, starting with a trial at 50 schools with monthly electricity bills exceeding 50,000 baht later this year.


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