Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has elevated the PM2.5 pollution issue from a national concern to a matter requiring collaboration among ASEAN countries. Upon her return from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, she highlighted that the escalating crisis has implications beyond Thailand, as neighboring nations also face cross-border pollution challenges.
Ms. Paetongtarn has instructed Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa to engage with ASEAN countries to discuss solutions within existing frameworks. Efforts to manage agricultural burning in Thailand and surrounding regions have already been initiated, including penalties for such practices that commenced last November.
She emphasized that addressing the PM2.5 issue is a collective responsibility that necessitates contributions from all ASEAN nations to create substantial impact. Immediate measures are underway to reduce pollution levels, alongside mid- and long-term strategies.
In response to the potential for a nationwide work-from-home policy, she expressed openness, suggesting that remote work could help decrease traffic-related emissions without disrupting business operations. Further discussions with government agencies are planned to explore the implementation of such directives.
Defending her participation in the WEF amid the air pollution crisis back home, Ms. Paetongtarn stated that preparations to tackle the PM2.5 issue were established prior to her trip. She noted that while it’s challenging to resolve pollution quickly, her administration has been proactive.
In conjunction with these efforts, commuters in Thailand enjoyed free electric train rides starting January 26, as part of government initiatives to combat pollution. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub reported that Ms. Paetongtarn has remained attentive to her directives concerning PM2.5 since her return from the WEF.
Additionally, she has directed the National Disaster Management Command Headquarters to utilize the successful model from the Operation Centre for Flood and Landslide Victims to monitor air quality and provide assistance effectively. A committee dedicated to combating PM2.5 has been established, led by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which includes high-ranking officials and will convene daily.
Despite these measures, air quality in Bangkok remains poor, with 23 areas identified as “red zones” due to hazardous PM2.5 levels. Recent reports indicated dust levels in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region ranged from 50.9 to 111 micrograms per cubic meter, surpassing the safety limit of 37.5 µg/m³, while other regions, particularly in Central Thailand, recorded levels as high as 106.9 µg/m³.
