Thailand battles PM 2.5 with strict anti-burning measures
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) urged provinces to intensify efforts in monitoring PM 2.5 dust levels and hot spots while strictly enforcing laws against illegal burning.
Phasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the DDPM and Secretary of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, yesterday, March 3, noted that while the overall PM 2.5 levels in the central, eastern, and southern regions, as well as Bangkok and its vicinity, remain within safe limits, some areas in the north and most parts of the northeast have reached orange levels, indicating potential health impacts. Safe limits should not exceed 50 µg/m³.
In Ubon Ratchathani province, levels have reached red, necessitating close monitoring of air quality until March 6 to March 7, after which rain is expected to improve conditions.
Data from March 2 indicated 760 hot spots, predominantly in national forest reserves, conservation areas, and agricultural lands. The provinces with the highest numbers of hot spots include Tak (154), Lampang (119), Chaiyaphum (50), Kalasin (34), and Sa Kaeo (34).
Hot spots have also been detected in neighbouring countries, notably Myanmar and Laos, contributing to rising dust levels in northern and northeastern Thailand. Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, and Amnat Charoen are experiencing high PM 2.5 levels in red and orange zones, requiring rigorous air quality monitoring.
Provinces with numerous hot spots, especially Tak, Lampang, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, and Sa Kaeo, are advised to collaborate with relevant agencies to reduce these hot spots consistently. Government agencies are implementing stringent measures to reduce air pollution, focusing on preventing illegal burning.
Illegal burning
The Forest Department reported an increase of 58 hot spots in national forest reserves, with 49 in the north, four in the northeast, and five in the central region. There have been 3,247 operations to combat forest fires: 2,007 in the north, 628 in the northeast, and 612 in the central region, resulting in 28 legal cases against people involved in forest burning.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation identified 46 hot spots in conservation areas, predominantly in the north.
Phasakorn stated that 138 conservation areas have been closed, and efforts to prosecute illegal forest burners have resulted in 34 cases and eight arrests. On March 2, the Forest Fire Smoke and Dust Problem Command Centre conducted 348 operations in forest areas, including fire suppression and patrols.
The Ministry of Industry reported a decrease in sugarcane burning for sugar production this season, reducing burned land by 4.51 million rai.
In Maha Sarakham, 259 hot spots were detected from January 1 to March 2, primarily in agricultural areas (69%). The province is implementing plans to address forest fire, smoke, and dust issues for 2025, with patrols and firebreaks in forest areas. Efforts in agricultural areas include public awareness campaigns and promoting eco-friendly agriculture.
Maha Sarakham has banned open burning, resulting in 27 legal cases involving 37 suspects, with one case concluded in court.
Saharad Wongsakulwiwat, Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, expressed gratitude to all agencies for their efforts, resulting in concrete outcomes. The PM 2.5 and hot spot levels are rising in the north and northeast, and agencies are urged to intensify measures, especially in high-risk provinces.
Efforts to prevent cross-border smoke and dust pollution are ongoing, with new strategies to engage the public, reported KhaoSod.
The DDPM, with the army’s support, is addressing forest fire, smoke, and dust issues in 17 northern provinces. Helicopters have been deployed to extinguish forest fires in Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, conducting 11 flights and dispersing 33,000 litres of water.
The DDPM will continue to monitor and update the public on PM 2.5 levels via Facebook and X @DDPMNews. For emergencies, the public can contact the safety hotline 1784 or Line @1784DDPM 24/7.
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