THE CAPITAL’S air pollution situation became more severe yesterday, as the quantity of dangerous PM2.5 particles rose to code-red status of above 90 micrograms per cubic metre of air at many locations. If the level remains that high for three consecutive days, drastic measures may be implemented, perhaps including a ban on the use of cars by 2 million civil servants.

With the joy of the New Year holidays having just passed, the woe of air pollution has again struck people in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces this week.