Bangkokians Dub State Efforts to Combat PM2.5 as Ineffective: Poll

[webfact]

File photo

 

In a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), a significant portion of Bangkok's residents expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts of state agencies in managing the capital's persistent PM2.5 pollution crisis. This pressing environmental issue has seen growing public concern over government actions and their efficacy.

 

The poll, aimed at gauging public perception, highlighted that a hefty 76.49% of respondents rated the government’s handling of the PM2.5 pollution as less than efficient. Specifically, 41.15% found the efforts to be somewhat inefficient, while 35.34% considered them completely inefficient. Only 3.13% of those surveyed felt the interventions were very efficient, indicating widespread public discontent.

 

Despite the government's initiative of offering free public transport for a week in a bid to mitigate pollution levels, the measure appears to have fallen flat with the populace. A substantial 68.78% of participants opined that this initiative had little to no impact on reducing PM2.5 levels, with only 6.72% acknowledging a significant benefit.

 

The response from City Hall, which included closing educational institutions and promoting remote work among private and public sector employees, received mixed reactions. While some 34.89% believed these moves were somewhat helpful, a closer look revealed scepticism: 33.21% thought they did very little, and 24.50% said they were ineffective.

When queried about which government entity should take the lead in battling Bangkok's ultrafine dust woes, the Pollution Control Department was favoured by 41.15% of respondents. Other bodies, like the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, also featured prominently in public expectations.

 

Interestingly, 17.56% of those surveyed expressed a lack of faith in any government agency to effectively combat the pollution problem, reflecting a growing frustration that underscores the urgent need for more impactful solutions.

 

The comprehensive survey, carried out via telephone interviews with 1,310 individuals aged 18 and above, encapsulates a broad spectrum of Bangkok’s demographic fabric, spanning diverse educational, income, and occupational backgrounds.

 

This growing public perception serves as a clarion call for the Thai government and related bodies to reassess their strategies and enhance their response to one of the city’s most pressing environmental challenges. With the economic impact tied to the health implications of pollution, the urgency for effective measures becomes increasingly critical as residents seek relief from the choking haze, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-01

 

 

[lordgrinz]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

This pressing environmental issue has seen growing public concern over government actions and their efficacy.

 

Let's just call it what it is, government inaction, it's the same every year.

[Captor]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo

 

In a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), a significant portion of Bangkok's residents expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts of state agencies in managing the capital's persistent PM2.5 pollution crisis. This pressing environmental issue has seen growing public concern over government actions and their efficacy.

 

The poll, aimed at gauging public perception, highlighted that a hefty 76.49% of respondents rated the government’s handling of the PM2.5 pollution as less than efficient. Specifically, 41.15% found the efforts to be somewhat inefficient, while 35.34% considered them completely inefficient. Only 3.13% of those surveyed felt the interventions were very efficient, indicating widespread public discontent.

 

Despite the government's initiative of offering free public transport for a week in a bid to mitigate pollution levels, the measure appears to have fallen flat with the populace. A substantial 68.78% of participants opined that this initiative had little to no impact on reducing PM2.5 levels, with only 6.72% acknowledging a significant benefit.

 

The response from City Hall, which included closing educational institutions and promoting remote work among private and public sector employees, received mixed reactions. While some 34.89% believed these moves were somewhat helpful, a closer look revealed scepticism: 33.21% thought they did very little, and 24.50% said they were ineffective.

When queried about which government entity should take the lead in battling Bangkok's ultrafine dust woes, the Pollution Control Department was favoured by 41.15% of respondents. Other bodies, like the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, also featured prominently in public expectations.

 

Interestingly, 17.56% of those surveyed expressed a lack of faith in any government agency to effectively combat the pollution problem, reflecting a growing frustration that underscores the urgent need for more impactful solutions.

 

The comprehensive survey, carried out via telephone interviews with 1,310 individuals aged 18 and above, encapsulates a broad spectrum of Bangkok’s demographic fabric, spanning diverse educational, income, and occupational backgrounds.

 

This growing public perception serves as a clarion call for the Thai government and related bodies to reassess their strategies and enhance their response to one of the city’s most pressing environmental challenges. With the economic impact tied to the health implications of pollution, the urgency for effective measures becomes increasingly critical as residents seek relief from the choking haze, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-01

 

 

What are the government efforts? Someone know?

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

In a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), a significant portion of Bangkok's residents expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts of state agencies in managing the capital's persistent PM2.5 pollution crisis. This pressing environmental issue has seen growing public concern over government actions and their efficacy.

Maybe bring this up on Paetongtarns new TV show.. if it allows a two way communication.

[thesetat]

8 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Let's just call it what it is, government inaction, it's the same every year.

Yeah.. if the police enforced current burning laws as well as exhaust laws on vehicles this problem would not be here. The government can make all the plans they want but without effective and constant enforcement nothing will change

 

[klauskunkel]

Quote

State Efforts

Ahh, you talking about them "meetings", don't ya..., yea, that's some "effort" all right.

[hotsun]

There will be hell to pay for this part of the world that sets their countries ablaze, if you believe in an almighty creator of this planet

[Theforgotten1]

1 hour ago, Captor said:

What are the government efforts? Someone know?

Yes , talk .

[kuzmabruk]

1 hour ago, Captor said:

What are the government efforts? Someone know?

heard they were going to give out free masks to affected groups - young and old.  Of course they are not planning on giving out N95 masks (US certified) or even KN95 (Chinese certified with more than 60% in the market tested as fake).  They will of course give out the free medical masks which are for protecting against virus but these medical masks do nothing against PM2.5.  The people I do see wearing masks in Thailand are all wearing these medical masks - useless, but I notice they are helpful in protecting your face in a motorcycle accident - or so the ignorant believe.

[ChrisY1]

https://www.windy.com

In the menu, a PM2.5  page will show the extent of the dust.....it's not just BKK...

[Red Forever]

2 hours ago, Captor said:

What are the government efforts? Someone know?

Free public transport in order to reduce car usage and emissions.

That’s a positive step.

[Classic Ray]

The government seem reluctant to take any effective action that would affect large business operations or use up tax revenues. This includes stopping crop burning, dealing with dirty vehicle exhausts especially trucks and buses, and industrial pollution from factories.

 

Instead they concentrate on mitigating the effects of their inaction on the population instead of dealing with the causes.

 

Meanwhile children (including mine) and particularly the old and infirm, suffer.

 

I think it’s disgusting and keeps Thailand still regarded as a third world state.

[Merrill]

This has been an issue for years well ever since i have been visiting 1994. No immision control on diesel or exhuasts or for that matter on lead in fuel. Why do i have this feeling that this not about correcting the polution but more to do with control vehicle use reduction directed from Davos. The 15  minute city C40. It is happening in the UK Road works for no good reason million reducing road sizes in the name bike lanes. So in BKK the same as that to have signed up to the NWO Davis  C40  City. I hope I am wrong.  I could a conspiracy Theorist. You have to agree it is a great phrase to shut people 

[dallen52]

Its not just Bangkok. 

Here in Buriram province locals have lost thier rubbish tip and been told to burn rubbish at home. 

 

So every night plumes of smoke plus the fires lit to keep mosquito 🦟 away from the buffalo's.

 

TIT...

[Richardsamui]

1 hour ago, ChrisY1 said:

https://www.windy.com

In the menu, a PM2.5  page will show the extent of the dust.....it's not just BKK...

Yep.

Dust. How you get dust? No rain in the dry season. Just a bit of wind here at our place in the north east swirls up the fine sands and of it goes towards BKK. Burning is not as much as other years. Still a bit is there but mainly it is the fine sand which make it a terrible mix of air. And that is called nature......

[newnative]

52 minutes ago, Red Forever said:

Free public transport in order to reduce car usage and emissions.

That’s a positive step.

     No, it wasn't a positive step--or perhaps you were being sarcastic.  It was a total failure, as the poll results show.  It just made riding public transportation during rush hour an even more miserable experience than it already is, with far too long waits between trains and trains with not enough cars for the many more riders now using metro.

     Even non-rush hour, it was awful--as my spouse and I found out.  The week we were in Bangkok-during the free rides--we ended up driving our car or taking taxis--I'm sure many others did, as well, after one horrible experience on the trains that week.   So much for reducing pollution.   And, how's a horrible rider experience going to get people out of their cars and taxis?

    It was an easy, lazy, no hard work involved, no hard decisions involved, publicity stunt, nothing more.  It was a glaring example of a government bankrupt of ideas, willpower, and initiative in the pollution fight.  The millions squandered on it could have been used in far better ways.  

[spidermike007]

When sloth meets lethargy, and a lack of creativity, combined with no enforcement, the result is ridiculously polluted air like we're seeing now.

 

Congratulations to the young new PM, on doing absolutely nothing for your people. Ever. 

[Grusa]

24 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

When sloth meets lethargy, and a lack of creativity, combined with no enforcement, the result is ridiculously polluted air like we're seeing now.

 

Congratulations to the young new PM, on doing absolutely nothing for your people. Ever. 

Add in corruption, nepotism, ignorance and deliberately induced stupidity.

[newbee2022]

Here is something what could be done immediately:

It was very effective in Bejing

https://thecityfix.com/blog/beijing-bans-street-barbeques-chuanr-effort-improve-air-quality-pollution-china-lulu-xue/in

[Sydebolle]

This can be stopped within 48 hours for good. So question is, why is nothing done?

Those burning rice and sugar cane fields are the very same people who vote for the succession of all those corrupt governments this country has been suffering from. Every one and then the army takes its turn at the trough before "returning" Thailand back to a democratic constitutional monarchy. 

If any government would have done something to prevent the burning of fields, the uneducated electorate in Northeastern and Northern Thailand would have voted for anything BUT the government, which fined them for burning the field. 
From where I come from it is called a "conflict of interest"; the recent municipality elections two days ago dished out 100 Baht per vote. So, apart from getting paid for their vote/voice they are also left in peace to try to make their ends meet. 
If a tomato farmer gets THB 3 - 6.50/kg, which he has to grow, harvest, sort and place in buyer-supplied plastic crates along the road while the customer pays anything between THB 35 - 85 per kilogramme, it might shed some light on where the problem is and where the money goes. 
Given the fact, that 7/11, Lotus's, Makro and Siam Food Services are owned by the same elitarian oligarch - go figure. 

Only a proper thorough deep spring cleaning, starting from the very top, might bring results; a 21st century education system would have to be put into place and then even it will take two generations to see any endeavour carrying fruit. By then Thailand has ridiculed herself out of world competition and will repeat, what the Philippines went through between 1980 - 2020. 

The writing is on the wall, with big capital red letters on a yellow background - for visibility! 

[superal]

4 hours ago, Red Forever said:

Free public transport in order to reduce car usage and emissions.

That’s a positive step.

Or copy the London ways to control air pollution using ULEZ ( ultra low emission zone ) whereby vehicles that do not meet the low exhaust emissions , have to pay a hefty charge to enter the city . This encourages people to leave their cars at home and use public transport . Even if your vehicle meets the emission laws you will have to pay a congestion charge . 

But could ULEZ work in Bangkok ? and a congestion levy ?  Considering the many vehicles in poor maintained condition in Bangkok , there would be a huge reduction of pollution levels if a ULEZ / congestion charges were introduced . 

[digger70]

4 hours ago, Richardsamui said:

Yep.

Dust. How you get dust? No rain in the dry season. Just a bit of wind here at our place in the north east swirls up the fine sands and of it goes towards BKK. Burning is not as much as other years. Still a bit is there but mainly it is the fine sand which make it a terrible mix of air. And that is called nature......

Yep , one Can't fight Nature so they mainly blame the people .

It's a combined problem .

Next some Smart Ass is gonna blame Global Warming.  😇

[Watawattana]

6 hours ago, Theforgotten1 said:

Yes , talk .

Reminds me of this sculpture in Berlin (I think), where politicians talk as the world's oceans rise.

[CLW]

39 minutes ago, superal said:

Or copy the London ways to control air pollution using ULEZ ( ultra low emission zone ) whereby vehicles that do not meet the low exhaust emissions , have to pay a hefty charge to enter the city . This encourages people to leave their cars at home and use public transport . Even if your vehicle meets the emission laws you will have to pay a congestion charge . 

But could ULEZ work in Bangkok ? and a congestion levy ?  Considering the many vehicles in poor maintained condition in Bangkok , there would be a huge reduction of pollution levels if a ULEZ / congestion charges were introduced . 

Are you actually staying in Thailand or have been here for a few years? 

[superal]

14 minutes ago, CLW said:

Are you actually staying in Thailand or have been here for a few years? 

Why do you ask , what is the relevance ?

[geisha]

12 hours ago, Red Forever said:

Free public transport in order to reduce car usage and emissions.

That’s a positive step.

Yes, and getting all those stinking vehicles, buses, cars, bikes, tuc tucs, off the road and destroyed. Anyone found burning gets their land confiscated.

More police checks ( laugh) all round transport and on the roads. 
The problem could be solved in 2 years at the most if it was implicated now. New electric buses and money invested will fix it to a livable level. 

Years of 40 million tourists, should be able to pay for this. Otherwise, they are ignoring the health of their own folk and their children. We all know that costs in the long run. But with an irresponsible government there’s no hope.

[RT555]

Well, after all the Government talks, they will enjoy their;

SomTam

Gaeng Pak Wan Kai Mot Daeng

Larb Moo

👍👍👍

[rwill]

In about 2 months after they are done burning sugar cane fields the government will declare victory, until next year...

[Merrill]

10 hours ago, CLW said:

Are you actually staying in Thailand or have been here for a few years? 

 

Great Idea to bring in the 15-minute Cities and C40 we need more control don't we China has the right idea yes? We need to clean up vehicle exhaust emissions and set some regulations. Copying the London ULEZ is not the way. Thailand is not the United Kingdom. As said burning should be out. 100% more control and regulations are needed but somehow I  get this feeling that this is not about emissions Bangkok has always had that, but about bringing in more control. As you all know staring long enough at the wallpaper one starts to see the pattern. This is not isolated to BKK it is a W/Wide issue. Problem Solution Reaction. That is not to say BBk does not have a smog problem it does but it should be resolved for the people by the people, not electric vehicles forced en mass. Old busses replaced exhaust emission control vehicle checks heavy goods inspected and exhaust checks. Quite simple really by making people aware and concerned. Even days off the road and days on the list of ideas are endless. We need to move away from the "Mai Pen Rai" attitude.

 

3 hours ago, geisha said:

Yes, and getting all those stinking vehicles, buses, cars, bikes, tuc tucs, off the road and destroyed. Anyone found burning gets their land confiscated.

More police checks ( laugh) all round transport and on the roads. 
The problem could be solved in 2 years at the most if it was implicated now. New electric buses and money invested will fix it to a livable level. 

Years of 40 million tourists, should be able to pay for this. Otherwise, they are ignoring the health of their own folk and their children. We all know that costs in the long run. But with an irresponsible government there’s no hope.

 

3 hours ago, geisha said:

Yes, and getting all those stinking vehicles, buses, cars, bikes, tuc tucs, off the road and destroyed. Anyone found burning gets their land confiscated.

More police checks ( laugh) all round transport and on the roads. 
The problem could be solved in 2 years at the most if it was implicated now. New electric buses and money invested will fix it to a livable level. 

Years of 40 million tourists, should be able to pay for this. Otherwise, they are ignoring the health of their own folk and their children. We all know that costs in the long run. But with an irresponsible government there’s no hope.

 

[superal]

10 hours ago, Merrill said:

 

Great Idea to bring in the 15-minute Cities and C40 we need more control don't we China has the right idea yes? We need to clean up vehicle exhaust emissions and set some regulations. Copying the London ULEZ is not the way. Thailand is not the United Kingdom. As said burning should be out. 100% more control and regulations are needed but somehow I  get this feeling that this is not about emissions Bangkok has always had that, but about bringing in more control. As you all know staring long enough at the wallpaper one starts to see the pattern. This is not isolated to BKK it is a W/Wide issue. Problem Solution Reaction. That is not to say BBk does not have a smog problem it does but it should be resolved for the people by the people, not electric vehicles forced en mass. Old busses replaced exhaust emission control vehicle checks heavy goods inspected and exhaust checks. Quite simple really by making people aware and concerned. Even days off the road and days on the list of ideas are endless. We need to move away from the "Mai Pen Rai" attitude.

 

 

 

ULEZ is not totally popular because of the restrictions on non compliant vehicle use . However the idea has been adopted in various countries , including the following , Spain , Italy . Sweden , Greece , Norway , China , Mexico and many cities in the UK because it has a real effect of reducing pollution . Electric vehicles and traffic reduction have  shown that without doubt their are major health benefits . 

South East Asian crop burning is not the only way to prepare the ground for the next planting . Ploughing in crop stubble is a Western way but more costly because the use of machinery , man power and fuel need to be factored in but this needs to be put in place with possible government subsidies . However enforcement is the problem with local backhanders paid for the enforcement officers to turn a bling eye . Also other nearby countries would have to agree to stop crop burning too . 

It's not rocket science , all the answers are there but if no actions are taken , pollution matters will only increase to a level that will cause serious health hazards that will make living in Bangkok or even visiting Bangkok , a no go zone . 

Visiting Bangkok may well have a globally notified health warning this summer .