Thousands ordered to evacuate as toxic smoke spreads east of Bangkok

A woman rides a scooter through the thick smoke on Monday, March 17. Photo: iSnapNationPhoto

Take a moment and look up, won’t you? If your sunny day is clouded by what looks like a giant cloud of toxic smoke, it could very well be a giant cloud of toxic smoke.

Thousands of residents have been instructed to evacuate nearly 1,500 homes in Samut Prakarn after an out-of-control garbage fire filled the air with sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and carcinogens.

Residents could be seen in thick clouds of smoke wearing paper masks. Children, seniors, people with respiratory problems, and anyone who doesn’t like to breathe cancer-causing fumes were advised to leave the area.

Affected communities include Gallery, Natura, Sukhumvit-Praeksa, Baan Sawasdee, Supalai Ville, Panthiya and Sap Thani. Five eastern Bangkok districts are also tasting the smoke: Bang Na, Prawet, Lat Krabang, Saphan Sung and Klong Sam Wa, The Nation reported.

 

The Nation has video from yesterday:



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