Thailand's Air Pollution Crisis Hits ASEAN's Collaborative Agenda

[webfact]

A thick layer of smog covers central Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Air pollution in Thailand has reached critical levels, prompting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to elevate the issue from a national concern to a matter requiring ASEAN-wide cooperation. This move aims to tackle the worsening pollution crisis, characterised by hazardous PM2.5 levels, which now demands a regionally coordinated response.

 

The Prime Minister, fresh from her return from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, emphasized the escalating problem as a cross-border issue affecting multiple nations. She has tasked Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa with conducting discussions with ASEAN counterparts to address this environmental challenge under existing regional frameworks.

 

Central to this cooperation are efforts to curtail agricultural burning—a significant contributor to PM2.5 pollution—in Thailand and its neighbouring countries. Thai authorities have already initiated preventive measures, including penalties for agricultural burning, since November last year. However, the scale of the problem necessitates broader regional collaboration.

 

Ms. Paetongtarn reiterated that effective mitigation demands collective responsibility from ASEAN nations, highlighting the necessity for a united front to generate significant impact against pollution.

 

To combat immediate pollution levels, the Thai government is implementing short-term relief efforts alongside mid- and long-term strategies. Consideration is being given to nationwide work-from-home policies, aimed at reducing traffic-related emissions. The Prime Minister expressed openness to this approach, suggesting that remote work could play a vital role in lessening pollution without hindering business operations.

Responding to criticism over her absence during the pollution crisis, Ms. Paetongtarn defended her participation at the WEF, stating that preparations to address PM2.5 issues were established prior to her departure. She maintained that the timing of the forum was beyond her control and stressed the comprehensive efforts in place to manage the crisis.

 

On her return, Ms. Paetongtarn directed the National Disaster Management Command Headquarters to adopt strategies used successfully in flood disaster mitigation last year, thus reinforcing air quality monitoring and crisis response initiatives.

 

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has formed a PM2.5 combat committee comprised of high-level officials. This team meets daily to strategize pollution management, drawing on experiences from previous disaster responses.

 

Despite these efforts, Bangkok and surrounding areas struggle with high pollution levels. Recent data identified 23 areas as “red zones” due to unsafe PM2.5 levels, with readings surpassing the safety threshold of 37.5 µg/m³, reaching up to 111 µg/m³ in some areas.

 

The crisis highlights the urgency for Thailand and its ASEAN neighbours to foster cooperative solutions, tackling pollution sources and safeguarding public health on a regional scale, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-27

 

 

[ozz1]

Burn baby burn they are so blind go for airplane ride and you will see where it's coming from every year the same nothing will happen

[JoePai]

1 hour ago, ozz1 said:

Burn baby burn they are so blind go for airplane ride and you will see where it's coming from every year the same nothing will happen

Agree plus they only need to look at the maps to see exactly where the burning is taking place 

[Aussie999]

I will not be surprised if tourism is affected, this has made print, online, and TV news, in Australia, so it is possible more nations are now aware... with health warnings being issued

[Gottfrid]

AAAeeeh? Wasn´t this in the top 3 of the worlds most popular destinations? People must truly be insane, for relocating to another country, and put themselves in a situation like this. Hey all Bangkok members! Don´t forget to take on you space suit before taking a stroll in the park. 

[spidermike007]

In an effort to obfuscate the lack of real and effective effort that she and her hapless Administration are making, she wants to pass the blame on to neighboring countries. There is no doubt that there's a lot of burning happening in neighboring countries and that and this is an issue.

 

However get your own house in order young woman! You have shown yourself to be ineffective to a fairly astonishing extent so far. 

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

The Prime Minister, fresh from her return from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, emphasized the escalating problem as a cross-border issue affecting multiple nations. She has tasked Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa with conducting discussions with ASEAN counterparts to address this environmental challenge under existing regional frameworks.

Sort out your own stinking back yard first then go shame the neighbours.