National—
On February 15th, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul disclosed directives following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Governors were instructed to conduct field inspections and engage communities to halt illegal agricultural burning.
The Ministry of the Interior, Natural Resources and Environment, and Royal Thai Army united per the Prime Minister’s order to assist locals in agricultural disposal and explore alternatives to crop burning.
Anutin convened with northern governors in Chiang Rai to address PM 2.5 concerns. While Chiang Mai boasted good air quality recently, Kanchanaburi faced troubling hot spots, prompting Anutin’s intervention.
In the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, remote work measures were under consideration alongside intensified vehicle emissions checks. Anutin noted these initiatives aligned with ongoing discussions on amendments to the Clean Air Act bill.
Despite remote work mandates for many agencies, certain offices remained operational. Anutin underscored the Thai government’s efforts to combat illegal burning, acknowledging the need for regional collaboration.
Anutin stressed the national and international approaches required to address air quality concerns, citing ongoing negotiations with neighboring countries. He emphasized collective responsibility across all sectors for improving the quality of life.
