Wear face masks in Bangkok, Emiratis told

The UAE embassy warns citizens to prepare for air pollution.

A man wears a face mask against air pollution in Bangkok on January 7. EPA

Emiratis in Bangkok have been advised to wear face masks by the UAE Embassy due to severe air pollution.

“The capital Bangkok is experiencing a high rate of air pollution and the mission recommends wearing special N95 face masks when outdoors,” said a tweet from the UAE Embassy in the Thai capital.

The N95 masks can filter 95 per cent of dust and mould in the air.

The city’s air quality index hit 170 on Friday, a rating of “excessive” air pollution.

The capital was rated seventh worst in world for air quality on Friday.

Bangkok experiences regular air pollution caused by industrial emissions, vehicle fumes, construction and waste burning.

A shroud of fog over the city in September prompted the Prime Minister to advise people to wear masks.