New haze directives to combat deadly pollution in Thailand
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will provide additional directives at a Cabinet meeting today to address the ongoing haze issue, according to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.
The meeting will prioritise PM2.5 pollution, following the prime minister’s return from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, over the weekend. She emphasised that the worsening pollution crisis extends beyond national boundaries.
The 38 year old PM has tasked Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa with engaging in discussions with ASEAN to secure regional cooperation within existing frameworks to tackle the pollution issue.
Jirayu mentioned that the Cabinet will review measures implemented by various ministries since October last year. Key agencies, such as the Department of Pollution Control, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), and the Industry Ministry, will report on their efforts to mitigate the haze and enhance air quality.
The Thai premier will also give additional directives to manage forest fires in national parks and address agricultural burning.
In Bangkok and nearby provinces, the government will assign the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Department of Land Transport, the Royal Thai Police, and the Ministry of Interior to tackle dust pollution.
The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee will concentrate on provinces severely affected by forest fires and burning activities.
Provinces like Chiang Mai, which have made notable progress in air quality improvement, will be encouraged to share their haze management strategies with other provinces.
Additional measures
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leading the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee, will chair a meeting tomorrow, January 29, to evaluate current actions and discuss further measures for other emergencies. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong will also participate in the meeting.
During a visit to Chiang Mai yesterday to oversee forest fire management, Anutin highlighted the intensified governmental efforts to combat the haze. He identified human activity, particularly changes in agricultural practices, as the main pollution source. He stressed the importance of enforcing relevant laws and raising awareness about their consequences among offenders.
“Thailand faces annual natural disasters, beginning with haze, followed by drought, floods, and cold weather, which repeat every year. We must break this cycle. Prevention is crucial, and enforcing laws is the first step, which can be done immediately.”
Anutin affirmed the prime minister’s commitment to tackling haze pollution, seeking cooperation from all sectors, including security agencies and community health volunteers. He noted the problem’s detrimental effects on health, the environment, and tourism.
The Labour Ministry and the Public Health Ministry voiced concerns over hazardous dust pollution but assured that efforts to address the problem are being reinforced. Those in high-risk areas are advised to take precautions, such as wearing face masks outdoors. Workers who fall ill can access medical care at nearby hospitals and should contact hospitals registered under the social security scheme promptly.
The Public Health Ministry is distributing face masks to vulnerable groups in orange and red zones with hazardous dust levels. Individuals in affected provinces can collect masks starting today. The ministry has an ample stock of masks for distribution, including 7.3 million surgical masks and over 600,000 N95 masks, reported Bangkok Post.
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