BANGKOK, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) said on Monday that initial economic loss from the fine dust fouling the air in Bangkok and surrounding areas is estimated at 2.6 billion baht (82 million U.S. dollars) or more.
K-Research attributed it mainly to lost opportunities in tourism. "The initial opportunity cost for tourism was at 1-3.5 billion baht, representing 2.5-4.5 percent of tourism income contributed by Bangkok," said the report.
However, the report also said smog problem is not a new issue in Thailand as it occurs in the northern region every year during the cold and dry season.
Smog caused by excessive dust particles has been compounded by climate change, said the report, as it recommended that agencies concerned must attach importance to the problem and make assessments of its impacts on various aspects.
Economic impacts from smog in and around Bangkok are divided into two aspects: lost opportunities in health and in tourism.
As for health, the report said that people had to spend more money buying face masks to protect themselves.
On tourism aspect, the report warned that although smog has not yet affected tourism business, it may prompt tourists to switch to other destinations if the problem is not resolved in the short run.
K-Research also noted that Bangkok was recently listed as one of the top 10 cities in the world with the worst air pollution.
