Toxic smog has forced hundreds of Bangkok schools to close on Wednesday as authorities struggle to manage a pollution crisis that has stirred widespread health fears and taken on a political edge just before elections.
Due to exhaust from traffic, unfettered construction, the burning of crop stubble, and pollution from factories, the Thai capital has been shrouded for weeks and has sparked social media criticism of the uneven response by the government.
Authorities have seeded clouds to provoke rain, sprayed overpasses with water and have asked people not to burn incense sticks and paper during Chinese New Year celebrations.