BANGKOK – About 2.4 million people in Thailand have sought hospital treatment for medical problems linked to air pollution since the start of 2023, health officials said, as toxic smog chokes parts of the country.

Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai were among the most polluted cities in the world on Thursday morning, according to air quality monitoring company IQAir.

There were 184,465 hospital admissions this week alone, Public Health Department Permanent Secretary Opas Karnkawinpong said on Wednesday.

Dr Opas said respiratory problems, dermatitis, eye inflammation and sore throat were among the most common medical issues.

Health officials have urged people to use high-quality N95 anti-pollution masks, close windows and doors, minimise time outside and exercise indoors.

Today is so smoggy, a Thai Facebook user said. I have a sore throat and coughed so much. I did a test for Covid-19, but its not that. Looking at the pollution level, that could be it.

Smoke from forest fires and farmers burning crop stubble have polluted the air in parts of the country, according to experts.

Thailand is home to more than 70 million people and its poor air quality has become a hot-button issue ahead of the countrys May 14 election, with the incumbent government accused of not doing enough to tackle the problem. AFP More On This Topic This week, no one: Hazardous pollution deters tourists from Thailand Pollution choking northern Thailand hits tourism in Chiang Mai, worries public