Thailand's PM Paetongtarn Tackles PM2.5 Pollution Crisis

[webfact]

File photo 

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced decisive action to combat PM2.5 pollution in Thailand. These solid particulate matters, smaller than 2.5 microns, are wreaking havoc on public health, particularly during the cold season.

 

The fine dust can clog lungs, causing respiratory issues and other health concerns. In response, Paetongtarn’s government has identified agricultural practices and vehicle emissions as primary contributors to the pollution.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangthong, along with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, have been tasked with leading discussions with relevant authorities to tackle the crisis urgently.

 

A significant part of the new strategy involves addressing post-harvest burning in agriculture. The government will refuse to buy corn and sugarcane from farmers who burn their farmland residues, a traditional practice that's widely believed to contribute to increased pollution. Importantly, this measure is not only restricted to local farmers but extends to imports, affecting international trade if necessary.

 

In conjunction with agricultural reforms, the Transport Ministry has been directed to strictly enforce regulations on vehicle emissions. The ministry is planning a concerted effort to pull up vehicles spewing black smoke and issue penalties to factories emitting toxic fumes.

 

Paetongtarn’s approach signals a multifaceted strategy, combining immediate intervention with long-term prevention. The challenge is significant, as PM2.5 pollution is a complex problem intersecting numerous sectors, from agriculture to transport.

 

However, with strong policies and cooperation across ministries, Paetongtarn’s government aims to create sustainable improvements in air quality, safeguarding the health of Thailand's population.

 

As these measures roll out, the focus will be on monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring compliance, aiming for a nationwide impact that could transform the landscape of pollution management in Southeast Asia, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2024-10-30

 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

Let's look how that will work out. Did she consult with the more experienced politicians around her why nobody did that in the past?

I wish her good luck.

[dinsdale]

Having read through this ChatGPT word salad my conclusion is nothing will change. Just the usual messaging about I'll do this and I'll do that but as long as industry keeps spewing out pollutants and crop stubble burn offs continue not only in Thailand but neighbouring countries serious pm2.5 problems will continue.

[Tropicalevo]

A good start would be filters for cleaning the air coming out of Parliament House. All of that krapp being spouted and released into the atmosphere..

[sungod]

Hopefully after over a year in power this will be the the first pledge they will actually see through on.

 

In the newspaper we cant quote, it said 6 wheel trucks that emit dangerous levels of fumes will be banned from certain districts of Bangkok when the pm 2.5 levels are too high.

 

These trucks therefore can continue to pollute everywhere else all of the time, and inside these areas when its not too high.

 

Cant make it up......

[lordgrinz]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

A significant part of the new strategy involves addressing post-harvest burning in agriculture. The government will refuse to buy corn and sugarcane from farmers who burn their farmland residues, a traditional practice that's widely believed to contribute to increased pollution. Importantly, this measure is not only restricted to local farmers but extends to imports, affecting international trade if necessary.

 

Ok, but why are you not going to actively arrest those doing the burning? These farmers should also have their lands confiscated to repay for the 2.5 pollution damage, and medical expenses of those affected.

[watchcat]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

However, with strong policies and cooperation across ministries, Paetongtarn’s government aims to create sustainable improvements in air quality, safeguarding the health of Thailand's population.

In Bangkok....

[watchcat]

If the governor of Chiang mai can't stop the burning next year, and do not care about CP kick him out.

[fvw53]

5 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Let's look how that will work out. Did she consult with the more experienced politicians around her why nobody did that in the past?

I wish her good luck.

 

For those knowing French...she will buy the "air purification" machines shown in the great comic French movie of 1978  "La zizanie"....

[OneMoreFarang]

Just now, fvw53 said:

 

For those knowing French...she will buy the "air purification" machines shown in the great comic French movie of 1978  "La zizanie"....

 

I think she, and even her father, don't have the power to stop the air pollution.

Obviously, they could issue big fines, but who would they hurt with that? I think they would hurt the influential people who now support them. Would they want to risk that support? I don't think so.

[watchcat]

12 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

I think she, and even her father, don't have the power to stop the air pollution.

Obviously, they could issue big fines, but who would they hurt with that? I think they would hurt the influential people who now support them. Would they want to risk that support? I don't think so.

 

Thaksin family need support? I dont think so

[OneMoreFarang]

6 minutes ago, watchcat said:

Thaksin family need support? I dont think so

 

Where do you think the votes come from?

The influential people tell the not so influential people who to vote for.

Thaksin is where he is because he made sure that lots of influential people (like rice millers) support him.

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced decisive action to combat PM2.5 pollution in Thailand. These solid particulate matters, smaller than 2.5 microns, are wreaking havoc on public health, particularly during the cold season.

Floods sorted, now the air.. 

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

A significant part of the new strategy involves addressing post-harvest burning in agriculture. The government will refuse to buy corn and sugarcane from farmers who burn their farmland residues, a traditional practice that's widely believed to contribute to increased pollution.

Do you burn your residue.., "absolutely not"

okay we'll buy your crop.

Farmer goes home... strikes a match

[Presnock]

6 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Having read through this ChatGPT word salad my conclusion is nothing will change. Just the usual messaging about I'll do this and I'll do that but as long as industry keeps spewing out pollutants and crop stubble burn offs continue not only in Thailand but neighbouring countries serious pm2.5 problems will continue.

yesterday in Prawet dist. 110   todya AM 116.  breathe deeply!

[john donson]

are a million airplanes flying over safe for pollution?

[carlf]

I won’t take any government statements about cracking down seriously until I see several photos published in the press of arrested farmers in handcuffs for burning their fields. When we, and the farmers, see those photos we’ll know that there is serious control. 

Edited October 30 by carlf

[Tarteso]

Bla bla… Classic

[sungod]

2 minutes ago, carlf said:

I won’t take any government statements about cracking down seriously until I see several photos of arrested farmers in handcuffs for burning their fields. When we, and the farmers, see those photos we’ll know that there is serious control. 

Or even the cops pulling over dirty black belching vehicles. I see countless each day.

[John Drake]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

The government will refuse to buy corn and sugarcane from farmers who burn their farmland residues, a traditional practice that's widely believed to contribute to increased pollution.

 

So they'll buy it from the middlemen instead?

 

[Will B Good]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

The government will refuse to buy corn and sugarcane from farmers who burn their farmland residues, a traditional practice that's widely believed to contribute to increased pollution

 

Genius has its limits, but stupidity knows no bounds.

 

What on Earth are farmers supposed to do?

 

If they deliver burned sugarcane it is to be rejected. If they deliver unburned sugarcane what do these idiots think the farmers will do with the leaves?????

 

As a 'family' we have around a 1000 rai of sugarcane......the leaves will be burned this harvest....end of.

 

The only solution is to harvest the leaves either in the field, which farmers will not do....or much easier....force the sugar processors to harvest the leaves by making them accept sugarcane and leaves intact.

 

Harvesting in the field will simply not happen.....the leaves will be burned.

 

 

[klauskunkel]

"Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced decisive action":

"Minister of Digital Economy and Society and Environment Minister have been tasked with leading discussions with relevant authorities..."

"Transport Ministry is planning a concerted effort..."

 

The PM's "decisive action" is basically rhetoric

[DonniePeverley]

Are the red busses public or private? Because they spew black smoke massively. 

 

Vehicle emissions on the ground is just horrific here. 

[Luuk Chaai]

The government will refuse to buy corn and sugarcane from farmers who burn their farmland ..

 

whew..     

for a second there I thought they were going to include rice fields,melons, tomato, pineapple, don't forget the general trash and plastics

 

such a load of bull ....

[lordgrinz]

22 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

I think she, and even her father, don't have the power to stop the air pollution.

Obviously, they could issue big fines, but who would they hurt with that? I think they would hurt the influential people who now support them. Would they want to risk that support? I don't think so.

 

Yes, Greed always trumps safety and health in Thailand.

[Ben Zioner]

23 hours ago, fvw53 said:

 

For those knowing French...she will buy the "air purification" machines shown in the great comic French movie of 1978  "La zizanie"....

So, was is a comic or a movie?

[Ben Zioner]

On 10/30/2024 at 4:15 AM, webfact said:

Paetongtarn’s approach signals a multifaceted strategy, combining immediate intervention with long-term prevention.

Beware, "immediate intervention" will end up as one PM 2.5 sucking aeroplane. T.I.T isn't.

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, Ben Zioner said:

Beware, "immediate intervention" will end up as one PM 2.5 sucking aeroplane. T.I.T isn't.

 

Talking to the wife.....the village FB group is buzzing with this news....the outcome?

 

They are going to burn...end of.

 

 

 

[scorecard]

On 10/30/2024 at 6:29 AM, OneMoreFarang said:

Let's look how that will work out. Did she consult with the more experienced politicians around her why nobody did that in the past?

I wish her good luck.

 

Good point, but I have serious doubts that she will get much cooperation from 'those around her'. 

 

There can be little doubt that corruption is high on this matter and little doubt those who those around her are receiving big payments to ignore the problem. 

 

In other words there will be no action. 

Edited October 31 by scorecard

[OneMoreFarang]

7 minutes ago, scorecard said:

Good point, but I have serious doubts that she will get much cooperation from 'those around her'. 

 

There can be little doubt that corruption is high on this matter and little doubt those who those around her are receiving big payments to ignore the problem. 

 

In other words there will be no action. 

 

I am not even sure if they receive payments. I am sure the big landlords would not appreciate if their business model would be challenged by politicians, and for such "trivial reasons" like the environment. And then I am sure those landlords would find other politicians who understand them better...