Bangkok’s Free Public Transport Week: A Futile Attempt Against PM2.5 Pollution?

Picture this: a BTS skytrain zipping through Bangkok’s skyline, yet not quite able to escape the hazy shroud enveloping the city on January 24, the eve of a much-anticipated, albeit short-lived, government initiative. As the train moves forward, the city’s residents are left pondering the efficiency of their government and the effectiveness of its newest promise—a week of free public transport. This move aimed to combat the infamous PM2.5 air pollution but, if you ask the locals, it was about as helpful as using a paper fan in a hurricane.

In a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, a majority of Bangkokians expressed skepticism about the capabilities of state agencies tasked with tackling the air pollution crisis. Approximately 41.15% of respondents felt these agencies were somewhat inefficient in their efforts, with 35.34% pushing the envelope further by deeming them completely ineffective. Meanwhile, only a mere 3.13% of folks felt these agencies were doing an outstanding job. Maybe that small group had really, really clean windows…

Diving deeper into the specifics of the ‘free public transport’ initiative’s impact, it quickly became apparent that enthusiasm was limited. Just 6.72% believed that giving people a gratis ride contributed significantly to addressing the pollution problem, while a resounding 34.89% sighed a collective “Meh,” asserting it helped very little. Another 33.89% took it a notch higher (or rather lower), saying it didn’t help at all, echoing the anthem of futile gestures.

When it came to City Hall’s efforts to close schools and businesses to combat the pollution levels, opinions were as varied as Bangkok’s street food. Around 34.89% thought this helped somewhat, while 8.47% felt these efforts significantly tackled the crisis. Yet, 33.21% barely noticed any improvement and 24.50% were left pondering if closing a few doors was truly the answer to a problem that required unlocking something much more substantial.

As for the burning question of which state agency could heroically wave goodbye to the ultrafine dust particles as they vanished into obscurity, opinions painted a rather fragmented picture. The Pollution Control Department received the reluctant crown—garnering 41.15% of the votes. Trailing not too far behind was the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration with 34.27%, leaving a trail of semisweet victories. Meanwhile, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation followed with a modest 27.02%, hoping perhaps for a well-timed rain dance to conjure pollution-cleansing showers.

The scattershot results didn’t stop there! From the Department of Land Transport’s dusty 20.23% to a noble attempt by the Police with 10.46%, it seemed everyone and no one was in charge. The Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Interior, and even the Ministry of Defence made the cut, albeit lower down the chart. For those scratching their heads at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 9.39% mention, one can only presume advocating for cross-border breezes comes with the territory…

Alas, this colorful chorus of opinions, drawn from telephone interviews with 1,310 residents over two days in January, painted a vivid snapshot of activities viewed more as a sideshow than an encore. If there’s anything Bangkokians can agree on, it’s that addressing air quality will need more than a temporary token of goodwill wrapped in free rides. Until a robust, impactful strategy takes center stage, it’s yet another act in the grand theater of Bangkok’s ongoing battle with pollution.