PM, Bangkok Governor and environment board summoned to court over air pollution
The Thai PM, Bangkok’s governor Aswin Kwanmuang and the National Environment Board were summoned to the Central Administrative Court today over the PM2.5 air pollution crisis that has affected Greater Bangkok for nearly two months.
The court will question Prayut, Aswin and members of the board in response to a complaint filed by the Stop Global Warming Association (SGWA) and 41 Bangkok residents. That’s if they all turn up.
The complainants are accusing them of negligence over the smog crisis, saying they failed to invoke the Environment Act and the Public Health Act to control PM2.5 levels.
According to the complaint, negligence of officials in tackling the crisis forced many schools and businesses to temporarily close. A number of people have also developed respiratory disorders and the Thai economy has suffered serious damage. Tourists, they claim, are reluctant to come to Thailand over reported air-quality problems, say the complainants.
“We will prepare evidence of negligence and will strongly urge the court to order the three accused to swiftly introduce measures to deal with the sources of air pollution,” SGWA president, Srisuwan Janya, said.
He said those burning sugarcane plantations and those buying burnt sugarcane should also face punishment.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, has warned that if the smog crisis is prolonged, financial damages would amount to between 10-15 billion baht a month.
SOURCE: The Nation
