Masks handy for New Year incense smoke too

Protective facemasks were much in evidence at Chinese shrines in Bangkok on Friday (January 24) as people marked the beginning of another Lunar New Year.

Masks handy for New Year incense smoke too But they were worn more out of concern over the dense clouds of incense smoke than the still-hazardous PM2.5 air pollution.

Masks handy for New Year incense smoke too The Chinese New Year Festival continues through Monday.

Masks handy for New Year incense smoke too
The Chao Por Pak Khlong Shrine near the Pak Khlong Market Flower Market was busy and billowing with smoke.

Masks handy for New Year incense smoke too
Administrators at Mangkon Kamalawat Temple, also known as Wat Leng Noei Yi, have this year banned a festival staple – the burning of silver and gold paper – in deference to efforts to reduce PM2.5 pollution.

Masks handy for New Year incense smoke too Silpakorn University researchers were in the Yaowarat area, Bangkok’s Chinatown, checking both PM2.5 and noise levels.

Masks handy for New Year incense smoke too They were happy to demonstrate the gadget they used for reporters and curious passers-by, explaining that the survey was a part of the university’s “Development of Artistic and Cultural Capital in Yaowarat” project.