In a significant move against rising PM2.5 pollution, Thai police have initiated nationwide inspections of vehicles for black smoke emissions, arresting over 9,000 offenders. The initiative includes setting up 15 stringent checkpoints across Bangkok to combat this escalating environmental issue, particularly pressing during the winter months. Lieutenant General Nithithorn Jintakanon spearheads this effort, emphasising the urgency of addressing pollution to safeguard public health.

 

PM2.5, a hazardous air pollutant in Thailand, primarily originates from three sources: diesel engine emissions, open-field burning, and low atmospheric pressure. Due to these factors, traffic police have partnered with Bangkok authorities and other agencies to enforce strict measures against polluting vehicles. The objective is to curb the rising PM2.5 levels, which pose a threat to health and well-being in the capital and surrounding areas.

 

Since October, traffic police enforcement has led to the capture of 9,770 vehicles emitting excessive black smoke, breaching air pollution standards. Offending vehicle owners face severe penalties under the Traffic Act and the Land Transport Act. Light vehicles face a temporary driving ban and fines up to 4,000 THB, while heavy vehicles like trucks and buses may incur fines reaching 50,000 THB alongside an outright ban if violations persist beyond 60 days.

 

Authorities urge vehicle owners and businesses to ensure their vehicles' engines meet emission standards, preventing air pollution risk. Citizens are encouraged to report polluting vehicles or emergencies through police hotlines 1197, 1193, or 191 and 1599, operating 24/7. This initiative reflects a concerted approach to reduce PM2.5 pollutants and demonstrates the value of collective responsibility in improving air quality, reported Daily News

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai police are checking for black smoke emissions to fight PM2.5.
• Over 9,000 vehicles have been caught breaching pollution standards.
• Strict fines and vehicle bans are in place for non-compliance.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-12-04

 

 

 

Pathetic penalties  

Ok... a few days checking and than business as usual.. Huge fines are ok and/or even keep the vehicle standing till the filter is replaced...There has been many crackdowns already and people should know and could have solved the problem. Announce the big fines and let them pay... 

A few months back I had to check my car for the tax office and just before me there was someone with a outdated car with a lot of blacksmoke fuming, but he got his paper for the tax office.. I thought why not first solve the problem?? but here nobody cares.. same with wild fires. Before 9am and after 18.00 people are burning everything, as the RTP stopped working. Even temples do it.. the true Buddhism I suppose, but as nobody cares how can you solve the air pollution

We make long treks to the Gulf during the high season.  We see many black smoke emitting vehicles —mostly pickup trucks. And 9 out of 10 violators are older Isuzus.  Some people claim the smoke is due to a special performance chip they install.  But do farmers buy performance chips for their Isuzus?

This is Thai's Reacting After the fact,  they do this every year!!    Its a good money maker for the RTP  

Drove into Hua Hin this morning - saw 2 smoking vehicles; return trip saw 3 (including a big tourist bus) - did not see any police.

Guessing they go after the vehicles as close to base & easy to spot.

Heaven forbid they should have to drive around in the countryside looking for burning fields (or use satellites to identify where) & pay them a visit with a massive fine! Was always bad in CM during burning as it sits in a bowl 

2 hours ago, phil2407 said:

Guessing they go after the vehicles as close to base & easy to spot.

Heaven forbid they should have to drive around in the countryside looking for burning fields (or use satellites to identify where) & pay them a visit with a massive fine! Was always bad in CM during burning as it sits in a bowl 

There's a few 'divisions' in the police department.  Traffic being one, and that's all they do.  Last week on the way to Krung Thep, they had a check point, and specifically targeted exhaust (big PM2.5 banner), and lots of diesel vehicles were pulled over.

 

And they do fine folks, small, farmers. large farmers for burning, as I know a few cited when living in Udon Thani.

 

That you aren't aware of things, doesn't mean they don't happen.

All these vehicles are so old and polluting that they should be impounded straight away on the side of the road, then subjected to a compulsory purchase order by the government, driver/company fined, and promptly driven to a scrap yard to be cubed... no questions asked or recourse allowed. Otherwise it's just window dressing for the media.