Khun Srettha, it is time to declare a national health emergency over smog

[webfact]

The escalating crisis of PM2.5 air pollution in Thailand has reached a critical juncture, demanding immediate and decisive action from the government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The pervasive smog that blankets cities, particularly Bangkok and northern regions like Chiang Mai, poses not just an environmental threat but a dire public health emergency.

 

With air quality indices frequently breaching safe levels, the question arises: Why has there been no significant government statement or action on this pressing issue? What measures are being taken by the Ministry of Agriculture to address the rampant agricultural burning contributing to this crisis?

 

The severity of PM2.5 pollution, characterized by particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, cannot be overstated. Linked to a myriad of health problems including lung cancer, heart disease, and premature death, the pollution levels have led to increased hospital admissions, burdening the healthcare system and affecting the country’s productivity and economic vitality. The World Bank’s alarming revelation that PM2.5 pollution costs Thailand a staggering 6% in lost GDP annually underscores the urgency for action.

 

The recent overwhelming vote in Parliament for seven “clean air” laws signals a recognition of the issue’s gravity. However, legislation alone is insufficient without robust enforcement and a concerted effort to tackle the pollution sources head-on. The agricultural sector, a significant contributor to the smog through crop burning, requires urgent reform. The continued practice, despite its known impacts, raises critical questions about the Ministry of Agriculture’s role and the effectiveness of current policies.

 

By Arun Saronchai

 

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[bamnutsak]

And how will a "Declaration" facilitate solutions?

 

Just form another committee.

 

 

The rainy season can't come soon enough.

 

 

[Thailand]

Thailand - the "Annual Burning Season"! 

 

[Skipalongcassidy]

So the government has finally and now officially recognized the problem... 55555

[Geoffggi]

Finally the penny drops ...................LOL 😎😂🤣

[shackleton]

When it affects tourist arrivals  action will be given priority to getting rid of  the PM2.5 dust problem  🤑

[newbee2022]

It's not only crop burning but also burning garbage including oil cans and paint stuff in the garden. 

Unfortunately it's done at night when police is sleeping. 😌

[stargrazer9889]

The annual burning is not just a thailand problem, it is an Asia problem. All countries in asia will have

to quit the practise of burning for any improvement. The map of  Asia in TV shows how

Thalands neighbours also burn their crops.

[hotchilli]

23 hours ago, webfact said:

With air quality indices frequently breaching safe levels, the question arises: Why has there been no significant government statement or action on this pressing issue? What measures are being taken by the Ministry of Agriculture to address the rampant agricultural burning contributing to this crisis?

No one has the backbone to do anything positive, except force the public to endure the polluted conditions and carry-on as normal.

I think the hospitals should start providing real-time statistics on pulmonary infections due to pollution.

[Lenthai]

It is not only the burning by farmers, but also the pollution caused by diesel engines from buses, trucks etc. How many times a day we not see black smoke coming from these old not maintained diesel engines.