Thailand bans burning to fight dangerous air pollution  

The government says the air is not moving as usual, which will make pollution worse until at least February 3.

Smoke from burning fields, factories, and vehicles has led to high levels of PM2.5, tiny particles that can cause serious health problems.

The government is now taking extra steps to control pollution in areas where the air is worst. Officials have told local authorities to strictly enforce the burning ban and report on pollution levels regularly.

Health workers have also been sent to help people most at risk, including babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with lung or heart conditions.

In some parts of the country, air pollution has reached dangerous levels.

The worst-hit areas include Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and several other provinces.

To help protect people, the government has handed out more than one million N95 masks. Bangkok authorities have also given out hundreds of thousands of masks to residents in areas with the most pollution.