Governor invites critics to give ideas to clear smog in Bangkok

Hazardous air: People wearing face masks making their way down a staircase near a shopping mall in Bangkok. The Thai capital has been blanketed in a murky haze for weeks, inciting criticism from the public over the government’s response, which has veered from playing down the problem to abruptly shutting schools. — AFP

BANGKOK: A fleet of drones, trucks and small planes sprayed water to try to reduce air pollution around Bangkok while the city’s governor invited critics to brainstorm better ideas to improve the air quality in the Thai capital.

Unhealthy pollution levels forced many city schools to close since Wednesday and residents are now wearing air-filtering masks while they’re outdoors.