Chiang Mai Chokes From Burning Farms

[ThailandLovr]

What do other, perhaps neighboring countries also with extensive farming of similar crops, do? Is this mostly a Thailand problem? Do other governments tolerate the smoke without penalties or action of some sort?

I say again, replowing and/or grinding seems to be a reasonable, if not the only feasible solution. Farmers complying should receive financial benefit of some sort (low interest loans, equipment or outright cash for example). Farmers not cooperating would be fined, thus providing funds to offset (to some degree) the compliance payments. Yes, grinders or plows would need to be purchased but from what I've noticed about the age of equipment in Thailand, the cost could be amortized over 40+ years.

Alas, I suppose the Red Shirts would blame the Abhisit government for encouraging/enforcing responsible change, preferring to continue polluting as they have done for centuries.

Edited March 19, 2010 by ThailandLovr