THAILAND has been struck by a haze of toxic smog which has forced capital city Bangkok to close – but is the holiday hotspot still safe for UK travellers?
Smog has struck in Thailand, prompting authorities to take drastic action during the unexpected weather conditions. Concerns over air quality meant Thai officials deployed drones to spray water from the sky in an attempt to clear the toxic blanket which has swamped the city. They have vowed to reassess the situation on Sunday, to determine whether extra precautions are needed. Yet in the interim, it still safe for UK holidaymakers to visit the popular winter sunshine island?
Thailand’s capital is under siege from a dangerous blanket of dust particles which is deemed to have reached dangerous levels.
Authorities have ordered schools to be closed in Bangkok an the surrounding areas after detecting the particles, which are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs and transported to other organs in the body.
The air Quality Index deems a safe score to be 25 – yet on Wednesday in Bangkok, they clocked in at 175.
What is the travel advice issued to British tourists planning a trip to Thailand?
UK travellers to Thailand have been warned the air conditions may worsen existing health conditions.
Official advice about the incident stated: “Urban areas across Thailand, especially in Bangkok, are currently experiencing poor air quality and high PM 2.5 levels.
“This may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions.
“Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected.
“You can check air quality levels for many cities in real time on the World Air Quality Index website.”
Meanwhile, in other warnings over travelling to the area, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to areas within the provinces on the Thai-Malaysia border.
Is it safe to visit Thailand? Latest travel update as storm hits
Thailand weather: Dust particles are deemed to have reached dangerous levels in Bangkok.
What have the Thai authorities said about the smog?
Boonrak Yodpetch, secretary general to the Office of Basic Education Commission, said of the closures: “[The Prime Minister] has ordered the Ministry of Education to consider closing the schools in order to mitigate the health effect.
“[The] first action is to close down all schools in Bangkok and some schools in four to five provinces (near to Bangkok).”
He added the situation will be reassessed on Sunday.
The school closure regulations run until the end of today.
