Southeast Asian cities among world’s most polluted: IQAir

Southeast Asian cities dominated the list of the world’s most polluted on Friday, with Ho Chi Minh City ranked second, followed by Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and others in the top five, according to air-monitoring organization IQAir.

In Bangkok, thick smog blanketed the city, causing widespread discomfort, especially for outdoor workers like motorcycle taxi drivers. Air pollution in the region is attributed to crop burning, industrial emissions, and heavy traffic.

To combat the crisis, the Thai government has offered free public transportation for a week, closed 300 schools, and urged companies to allow remote work. However, some locals believe more action is needed.

In Ho Chi Minh City, pollution levels were found to be 11 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. Governments are exploring long-term solutions, including carbon taxes and promoting electric vehicles, to address the growing environmental concern.