The capital city of Vientiane, and the provinces of Xieng Khuang and Sekong also saw PM 2.5 levels surpassing 260 micrograms per cu.m, reaching hazardous levels.

Under the MoU, Bangkok and Beijing will concentrate on collaboration in the control of air pollution over the next three years.

Hanoi authorities are under significant pressure to improve air quality, particularly as the city rotates in and out of the top global ranking for air pollution levels, depending on routine measurements of the local environment.

Hanoi has set a target to ensure that up to 80% of the days in a year have air quality index (VN-AQI) levels rated as good or moderate, based on data from standard national and city monitoring stations, according to the director of the city’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Le Thanh Nam.

The air quality index (AQI) in Bangkok, its adjacent provinces and some northern provinces has reportedly improved following the first day of rain-making flights by the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation (DRRAA).

The Thai Ministry of Transport said on November 12 that it is exploring the implementation of a congestion charge programme to alleviate chronic traffic problems in the capital Bangkok, improve air quality and promote the use of public transportation.

Joining hands for clean air and a green Hanoi is the theme of a programme launched in the capital city on June 3 in response to the World Environment Day (June 5).

Ninety-eight continuous automatic air quality monitoring stations will be constructed across the country between now and 2030, pushing the total number to 201.

To contribute to improving the air quality in Hanoi, World Bank Country Director in Vietnam Carolyn Turk has recommended municipal authorities effectively enforce a pervasive ban on burning garbage and agricultural waste, such as straw, in the suburbs.

According to experts, if Vietnam does not take drastic action soon, pollution will have long-term health consequences for future generations, such as reduced life expectancy and increased medical burden.

A workshop on the application of satellite data in monitoring pollution and research was held in Hanoi on December 1 as part of the projects "Join hands for clean air” and “Improving air pollution monitoring and management of Vietnam with satellite PM2.5 observation”.

A seminar discussing measures to tackle environmental problems in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) was held in Hanoi on March 27, in response to the Earth Hour 2021.

How to improve air quality was the main topic of a seminar held in Hanoi on January 9 within the framework of a clean air project supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Air quality in the capital city of Hanoi fell to dangerous levels in the first week of the New Year, particularly in inner city areas, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

The People’s Committee of Hanoi has rolled out various measures to improve air quality amidst the alarming pollution level in the city in recent days.

Several southern cities and provinces have accelerated research into air pollution to develop clean air plans by 2025, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr Ho Quoc Bang from the Institute for Environment and Resources at the Vietnam National University - HCM City.

Air quality in the north of the country is improving, according to the Vietnam Environment Administration.

Vietnam may order schools to shut down on days when the air quality is poor, according to the draft law revising the 2014 Law on Environment Protection.

Air quality in big cities dramatically improved last month, said the Vietnam Environment Administration under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The Hanoi People’s Committee held a ceremony on May 27 to receive 24 automatic air monitoring stations sponsored by the Republic of Korea’s THT Co., Ltd.