PRESS RELEASE:
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Sri-on has issued a warning regarding elevated PM2.5 dust levels in Bangkok and surrounding provinces from October 24 to 27, 2024.
The Ministry has also introduced its 2025 Wildfire, Smog, and Dust Management Plan, which will be implemented at national, regional, and provincial levels.
Key measures include:
1. Risk Mapping and Fire Management: Development of risk maps and operational plans for wildfire-prone areas, including fire prevention and fuel management.
2. Forest Fire Management: Establishing checkpoints, monitoring stations, and response teams in conservation and national forests, while promoting non-burning practices.
3. Agricultural Fire Management: Registration and monitoring of farmers who use fire, with stricter controls on sugarcane burning and penalties for non-compliance. Support will be provided to farmers who avoid burning.
4. Urban Dust Control: Restricting large trucks, promoting public transport, accelerating the shift to electric buses, and cracking down on high-emission vehicles and factories.
5. Transboundary Haze Management: Promoting non-burning agricultural practices and coordinating with neighboring countries before the haze season.
6. Overall Management: Fast-tracking budget requests, strengthening law enforcement, and designating PM2.5 disaster relief zones. Public health measures and work-from-home policies will be encouraged.
7. Community Involvement: Encouraging public participation, with the engagement of volunteers, academic institutions, and local communities.
Minister Chalermchai stressed the need for close collaboration among agencies to manage the smog situation, focusing on emissions from vehicles, industries, and community burning. Public health measures, work-from-home policies, and communication efforts will be intensified to keep the public informed.
Residents are urged to monitor PM2.5 levels through the Air4Thai website and app for updates.
The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.