Air pollution in Bangkok has pushed the bustling Thai capital to the brink of a public health crisis. The situation has led to the shutdown of city schools and air-filtering masks have become a must in the bustling Thai capital.
AP reports that the city has now resorted to a fleet of drones as well as trucks and small planes to spray water in an attempt to reduce air pollution around Bangkok.
According to the outlet, Bangkok’s governor, Police Gen. Asawin Kwanmuang, has declared the city a “pollution control zone,” enabling the city to up the levels of environmental measures such as road closings and limits on diesel exhaust, outdoor burning and construction activities.
Drones are not a long-term solution, Governor Asawin acknowledged, but he would rather make some progress than none when it comes to abating air pollution in the city. Frustrated with critics who call the water-spraying drones ineffective, he encouraged private-sector experts and academics to weigh in with constructive air quality solutions at a recent news conference.
“Those who are knowledgeable on this issue, don’t give opinions to others, tell me. I am the one who is working on the issue, please give me advice.”
“Those who are knowledgeable on this issue, don’t give opinions to others, tell me. I am the one who is working on the issue, please give me advice,” he said. “Do I know everything? No, I don’t. Because I do not know everything, that’s why I will hold a meeting (Thursday). Please join us in brainstorming.”
Tara Buakumsri, director of Greenpeace Thailand, predicts the drones’ utility will be primarily of a psychological nature as a welcome sight for city residents eager for change. Tara added that getting to the root of the air pollution for long-term emission reduction would be a superior strategy for the Thai government.