Sat Jan 25 16:07:45 IST 2025: ## Bangkok Offers Free Public Transport to Combat Severe Air Pollution
**Bangkok, Thailand –** Facing a severe air pollution crisis, Bangkok authorities have implemented a week-long initiative offering free public transportation across the city. The measure, which began Saturday, January 25th, 2025, aims to reduce traffic congestion and subsequently lower pollution levels. Passengers can now ride buses and the city’s elevated and underground train systems at no cost.
The move comes as Bangkok grapples with dangerously high levels of air pollution, forcing the closure of hundreds of schools and prompting many employees to work remotely. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed concern, stating the government is committed to addressing the issue through both short-term and long-term solutions.
While air pollution has long plagued northern Thailand due to agricultural burning, Bangkok has increasingly experienced extended periods of poor air quality, particularly during cooler months. Sources of pollution include vehicle and industrial emissions, as well as dust from construction sites.
On Saturday, Bangkok was ranked the 14th most polluted city globally by IQAir, although it had ranked higher earlier in the week. The microscopic pollutants present in the air pose significant health risks, causing respiratory problems and potentially serious long-term health issues. The free public transport initiative is the latest attempt to mitigate the crisis and improve the city’s air quality.
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