Thai PM to Address Cabinet on Urgent PM2.5 Pollution Measures

[webfact]

Commuters wear face masks to protect themselves from air pollution at a skytrain station in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

As Thailand grapples with escalating PM2.5 pollution, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will direct the cabinet on Tuesday to enhance efforts addressing this pressing environmental crisis. The looming haze, an issue stretching beyond national boundaries, demands immediate and unified action.

 

Returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ms Paetongtarn underlined the international scope of the pollution challenge, seeking regional cooperation through Asean to tackle the crisis effectively. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is anticipated to lead these diplomatic endeavours under existing frameworks.

 

The cabinet meeting will assess the progress made by various ministries since October. Key players include the Department of Pollution Control, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), and the Industry Ministry, all set to report on their missions to mitigate haze and uplift air quality.

 

Prime Minister Shinawatra is expected to issue further directives, targeting forest fires in national parks and curbing agricultural burning. In Bangkok and its vicinity, agencies such as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Department of Land Transport, and Royal Thai Police will coordinate operations against dust pollution.

Other provinces, particularly those beleaguered by forest fires like Chiang Mai, which has shown improvement in air quality, will share effective strategies. The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee will zero in on the regions most impacted by burning activities.

 

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will lead a follow-up meeting on Wednesday to evaluate actions and discuss preparation for future emergencies. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong will contribute insights for comprehensive strategies.

 

During his visit to Chiang Mai, Mr Anutin highlighted the human activities aggravating the pollution, especially changes in agricultural practices. He stressed on enforcing the law to curb such practices, emphasising a need for immediate action.

 

Thailand's annual battle with natural disasters begins with the haze, followed by drought, floods, and cold snaps—a cycle demanding urgent preventive measures. The government pledges total commitment, seeking collaboration across sectors to counteract the haze and its ramifications on health, environment, and tourism.

 

The Labour and Public Health Ministries warned of hazardous dust levels but assured they are intensifying efforts. High-risk groups are advised to wear face masks outdoors, with medical care access ensured through social security if affected.

 

Distribution of protective masks is set to begin Tuesday for those in critical zones. The Public Health Ministry has secured 7.3 million surgical masks and over 600,000 N95 masks for immediate distribution, prioritising vulnerable populations.

 

Thailand faces a pivotal moment in addressing its pollution woes, requiring coordinated action and steadfast enforcement to ensure public health and environmental safety, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-28

 

 

[MikeandDow]

All tooooo late!!!

[bamnutsak]

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

The cabinet meeting will assess the progress made by various ministries since October.

 

 

Shortest meeting ever?

 

 

 

[ozz1]

Ah yes let's have a meeting to show everyone we are doing nothing about the rampant burning and smokey vehicle what a joke

[watchcat]

12 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

All tooooo late!!!

 

Too many trips to EU and LA has made her cunfused

[Tropicalevo]

Yak, yak, yak, blah, blah, blah.

Why not try doing something for a change.

[Gottfrid]

Stop, stop, stop! Thai PM, Address what? We should all thank our lucky star if that woman is even able to remember her own address. 

[Guderian]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

 

Are you sure about that? Her dad seems to be calling all the shots these days.

[watchcat]

3 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

 

 

Shortest meeting ever?

 

 

 

 

You mean they missed the lunch and dirnner.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

As Thailand grapples with escalating PM2.5 pollution, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will direct the cabinet on Tuesday to enhance efforts addressing this pressing environmental crisis. The looming haze, an issue stretching beyond national boundaries, demands immediate and unified action

And they will say the same thing next year, just as they have for every year that I've been here.

And that's many

[lordgrinz]

Which PM would that be, Thaksin, or his China doll sock puppet?

[spidermike007]

She is the very definition of an empty suit. She is not a serious person. Saying she is going to do something about the air quality here would be akin to saying Trump will start paying some respect to the environment or focus on protecting the national lands. It won't happen. 

[newnative]

On 1/28/2025 at 9:00 AM, MikeandDow said:

All tooooo late!!!

And, none of it will be done anyway.  Just more blah, blah, blah. 

[watchcat]

On 1/28/2025 at 5:17 AM, Guderian said:

 

Are you sure about that? Her dad seems to be calling all the shots these days.

 

She has deputy Anutin...