Bangkok: Economic damage from opportunity loss caused by air pollution, exceeding an average of 100µg/m³ on the Air Quality Index (AQI) in and around Bangkok over a one-month period, has been estimated at about 3 billion THB (89.4 million USD), according to an assessment by Thailand’s Kasikorn Research Centre (KRC).
According to Lao News Agency, the centre indicated that excessive PM2.5 in the atmosphere leads to expenditure on medical treatment and preventive health care, such as facemasks and air purifiers. While such expenditure benefits businesses, it represents opportunity loss for consumers, as the money could have been used for other purposes.
The economic damage estimate was based on the assumption that about 2.4 million people in Bangkok are suffering from allergies and respiratory diseases, with about half needing to see a doctor at least once a month. This incurs medical and travel expenses, averaging 1,800-2,000 THB per head.
The centre also noted that including other economic activities, such
as class suspensions, impacts on tourism, and working from home, the economic damage could be much higher.