UTTC:Persistent hazardous dust problem in Thailand may cost Bt40b

BANGKOK, February 7 (TNA) - The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting Center, under Bangkok-based University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTTC), has assessed that the hazardous dust problem in Thailand, if persisted to next month, may cause an economic loss to the nation up to 40 billion baht. The center's director, Thanawat Phonvichai, voiced the assessment on February 6, indicating if the hazardous dust problem eased in mid-February, it would cause an economic loss of 8-10 billion baht for Thailand, but if the problem persisted to the end of next month, it would cause an economic loss of 20-40 billion baht for the spending on the purchase of the N95 face masks, healthcare for patients with the allergy and respiratory diseases, as well as damage to the domestic tourism. Thanawat said based on his center's random survey during this year's Chinese New Year celebration, people have spent 594 baht monthly per head on average to protect themselves from the particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers in diameter per cubic meter (PM2.5), including the N95 face mask and other quality products to take care of themselves. Thanawat revealed the survey also found if the problem of the hazardous dust persisted for six months, people would have to spend 802 baht monthly per head on average, or 4,812 baht totally per head on average. (TNA)