Bangkok, Feb. 1 -- The Thai government has announced a nationwide burning ban to tackle worsening air pollution, with penalties in place for violators. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stated that the measure comes in response to forecasts on stagnant air circulation until February 3, which is expected to worsen the PM2.5 pollution. To address the issue at its source, the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee of Thailand has intensified pollution control measures in high-risk areas while instructing local authorities to strictly enforce the ban and provide regular updates. The committee has also directed the Public Health Ministry to deploy emergency medical teams to assist vulnerable groups, including infants, the eld...