Young clinician’s tragic death raises questions on Thai air pollution

The problem of PM 2.5 Thai air pollution has been highlighted by the unfortunate case of 28 year old Kritthai Tansombatitkul, a clinician and statistician at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, who passed away from late-stage lung cancer. Despite living a healthy lifestyle and not smoking, he was diagnosed with the disease at a young age, leading many to consider the possible role of air pollution in his illness.

Kritthai, who shared his cancer journey on his Facebook page Soodiwa, had a large online following who supported him throughout his battle. In November, he posted a heartbreaking message stating that he didn’t have much time left, causing distress among his followers, particularly those in the medical field.

Kritthai passed away today, leaving behind a grieving family and a society that had been following his journey. Despite receiving intense treatment, he succumbed to the disease at the age of 29.

In March, Kritthai posted a message on his Facebook page about the dust problem in northern Thailand. He believed that this could be one factor that contributed to his illness. He wrote that he woke up one morning with a dust value of 186 in the room waiting for radiation.

“I don’t say that the smoke dust in Chiang Mai is the only factor causing me to have cancer, but it cannot be denied that it has an effect.”

He also raised concerns about the obligation of individuals to bear the costs of masks and air filters. He questioned whether it was fair for citizens, many of whom might not have the means to avoid this dangerous dust, to bear these costs. He lamented the fact that in our country, inequality is not just about economics but also about such fundamental things as the air we breathe.

Kritthai also expressed his concern for the younger generation.

“I won’t be here much longer, but the lovely little children who greeted me in the elevator after I had radiation yesterday, I just think those children shouldn’t have to face the risk of serious illness or sickness like me. They should have the basic human right to breathe clean air, to play basketball outdoors with friends without having to wear a mask. They should not have to buy clean air.”

This tragic case has brought the issue of air pollution and its potential health effects into sharp focus, emphasising the urgent need for measures to tackle the PM 2.5 dust problem, reported Sanook.