Abstract

The world has been exposed to the CoronavirusDisease 2019 (COVID-19) since late 2019. A global pandemichas shifted health concerns from air pollution effects to novelcoronavirus disease, similarly to those in Bangkok. AlthoughBangkokians have experienced severe PM2.5 conditions sincethe last quarter of 2017, the related agencies have failed toelucidate the crisis. This has been because the fundamental airquality management is focused on controlling emissions. TheThai government has sluggishly determined the situations thatlead to the inability to clean up its air. How are air pollutionand disease linked? This article points to the importance ofsource management. The lockdown measures revealed reducedtraffic rate and PM2.5 concentrations. Such a close relationshiphas shed insights of the consequences of working from home(WFH). The link between disease and air pollution includes (i)WFH regulation is one specific way to prevent the transmissionof disease, (ii) this guideline decreases traffic congestion in anurban city which is one path of diminished pollution dischargeand (iii) then noticeably followed by PM2.5 reductions. Again,the magnitude of source control is crucial. Reducing pollutionsfrom traffic by means of WFH has illustrated thisaccomplishment. In the midst of this crisis, moving to a newnormal role supports remaining protected from both airpollution and the pandemic. Nevertheless, the sustainability oftransportation control in an overcrowded city like Bangkokshould be considered as a vital pathway to tackle air pollution.