Thaksin Reveals PM's Anti-Pollution Plan Initiated from Davos

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Royal Thai Government

 

From the snowy heights of Davos, where the World Economic Forum is underway, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued decisive instructions to combat the burgeoning issue of PM2.5 air pollution back home. Her father and political veteran, Thaksin Shinawatra, made the announcement today while rallying support for a local candidate in Sisaket.

 

This proactive approach stems from Prime Minister Paetongtarn's participation in international dialogues in Switzerland, demonstrating her commitment to addressing domestic concerns even while abroad.

 

Among the key steps she has outlined is the introduction of a week-long initiative offering free public transport in Bangkok. This measure aims to reduce the capital's heavy dependency on private vehicles, a major contributor to urban air pollution.

 

In conjunction, stricter regulations have been imposed on construction sites, specifically targeting the emission of black smoke. This move is expected to significantly curb pollutants within city limits.

Yet, the challenge of air pollution extends beyond the urban sprawl into Thailand's lush countrysides. Thaksin, essentially supporting his daughter's policies, highlighted measures directed at the agricultural sector, a known contributor to PM2.5 levels due to the prevalent practice of crop residue burning.

 

Approximately 83% of this practice is linked to rice, maize, and sugarcane cultivation. Farmers have been sternly warned that continued burning will result in withholding of government assistance. Sugar mills, too, have been implicated, with expectations placed upon them to shoulder their share of accountability.

 

Thaksin shared how, during his term as Prime Minister, he advocated for soaking rice stubble instead of burning it. This method enhances soil quality by increasing beneficial microorganisms, potentially leading to better crop yields. His comments reflect a blend of personal legacy and practical solutions in tackling environmental challenges.

 

For immediate relief from the pollutants, a collaborative effort with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has been initiated to conduct royal rainmaking operations. This strategy aims to clear the air of toxic particles and provide a temporary respite for affected communities.

 

As of 2 p.m. today, Bangkok's air quality index on AQICN.org reported a PM2.5 concentration of 167 micrograms per cubic metre, a figure deemed unhealthy. This surpasses the recommended maximum average of 37.5 µg/m³ over a 24-hour period, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.

 

With these measures in place, the Thai government looks to make significant strides in reducing air pollution, leveraging both international influence and local actions. The broader aim is a healthier environment that prioritises the well-being of its citizens, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

-- 2025-01-24

 

 

[lordgrinz]

Rainmaking and stearn warnings? So, basically no enforcement? How is her all expense paid trip to Davos going, did she buy Daddy a watch? She and her Daddy are like one big joke, and it ain't funny.

[OneMoreFarang]

46 minutes ago, webfact said:

This proactive approach

Which one?

Isn't the idea about "proactive" to do something before it is really really necessary?

 

[ikke1959]

They even can't stop the blacksmoke cars.., Today we went back from Bangkok to Phetchaburi and we have seen at least 30 cars with heavy blacksmoke..There will be many more but no RTP to be seen... Also for the wildfires.. in several places we saw smoke from wildfires although it seems to be forbidden, but as long as the RTP does not enforce any law and stays lazy nothing will change

 

[tomazbodner]

47 minutes ago, webfact said:

Farmers have been sternly warned that continued burning will result in withholding of government assistance.

Come on... seriously now. This isn't even enforced inside Bangkok, let alone anywhere else. This was taken 2 minutes ago...

 

 

That's not the only smoke seen around here. Just no intent on staying outside on balcony longer, holding breath...

[Purdey]

I don't think the Thai government is serious. It doesn't care.

 

[MikeandDow]

47 minutes ago, Purdey said:

I don't think the Thai government is serious. It doesn't care.

 

And you point is ????   I think we all know generating electricy causes air Pollution same as most other countrys, that is NOT the point here !!  it is the uncontrolled burning, poorly maintaned cars and forest fires, Thailand is Not a "Green country" far from it !!

[blaze master]

What a joke these people are. This is crimes against humanity.

 

Air is a pretty needed thing by humans.

 

Pathum thani today...

[CygnusX1]

You could replace all the fossil fuel power plants with nuclear plants or wind turbines, and all of the cars with EVs, and it would do very little to reduce PM2.5, which is almost all from agricultural burning, it’s called the burning season for a reason. Outside the burning season, the air at least outside Bangkok is usually not too bad, it’s the ag burning that causes air pollution throughout the whole country.

[MikeandDow]

This happens every year in thailand some years good some bad, but the Point is !! There is "NO PLAN"  all the goverment does form a committee, and all they do is nothing !! Thai's cannot for some reason Plan ahead !!!

[connda]

2020 We'll fix it next year.

2021 We'll fix it next year.

2022 We'll fix it next year.

2023 We'll fix it next year.

2024 We'll fix it next year.

2025 We'll fix it next year.

2026 We'll fix it next year.

20nn We'll fix it next year.

[Will B Good]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Farmers have been sternly warned that continued burning will result in withholding of government assistance.

 

Stop it...your killing me.

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, connda said:

2020 We'll fix it next year.

2021 We'll fix it next year.

2022 We'll fix it next year.

2023 We'll fix it next year.

2024 We'll fix it next year.

2025 We'll fix it next year.

2026 We'll fix it next year.

20nn We'll fix it next year.

 

They need Jim.....he could fix it.