On Monday, a thick blanket of smog lay across Bangkok. Measurements show 95 micrograms per cubic meter of so-called 2.5 particles, particles that are so small that they can enter the lungs and cause both short-term and long-term health problems.

The measured particle levels are almost twice as high as the maximum limit that the authorities consider to be approved from a health perspective. The pollution is why 437 schools in the city will close on Wednesday.

Traffic and burning of sugar cane

According to Thai authorities, the cause of the smog in Bangkok is stagnant air in combination with particles from traffic, among other things. But smog has also affected the central and northern parts of the country and the pollution there is considered to have been mainly caused by the burning of sugar cane.

Farmers who produce sugar cane usually burn off the leaves on the plants because it is cheaper than cutting the leaves. But the fires create air pollution and the authorities have banned leaf burning during the first two months of the year. However, little has been done to control compliance with the rules and some farmers continue as before, reports Reuters.

Frustrated Bangkok residents

The residents of Bangkok are not satisfied with the actions of the authorities. According to a recently published survey from NIDA University in Bangkong, which the news agency AP took part in, 81 percent of 1256 people felt that the authorities did not do enough.

Don't punish all polluters

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-cha complained in a statement in Narathiwat Province that it is difficult to tackle the pollution, writes the Bangkok Post.

- We cannot just blame people and punish all polluters, as the result of punitive measures would create other serious problems for society. We must rely on cooperation, says the prime minister.