Southeast Asian cities ranked among the world’s most polluted on Friday, with Ho Chi Minh City listed as the second-most polluted globally, followed by Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and two others, according to air-monitoring organization IQAir.
In Bangkok, a dense smog blanketed the skyline, causing widespread health concerns. Motorcycle taxi driver Supot Sitthisiri, 55, said, “My nose is constantly congested. I have to blow my nose all the time.” Air pollution in the region is driven by crop burning, industrial emissions, and heavy traffic.
To combat pollution, the Thai government introduced free public transport for a week, closed 300 schools in Bangkok, and urged companies to adopt remote work. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said, “The government is fully committed to solving the dust problem.”
In Ho Chi Minh City, air quality data revealed fine particulate matter levels 11 times higher than World Health Organization standards. Hanoi, which recently topped the global pollution list, issued warnings urging residents to wear masks and eye protection.
Authorities across Southeast Asia are pushing for long-term measures such as carbon taxes and increased adoption of electric vehicles to tackle the recurring pollution crisis.
“It’s getting worse each time,” said Bangkok resident Khwannapat Intarit, 23. “They need to do more than just close schools.”