National —
On January 25th, 2025, Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized that addressing PM2.5 pollution is not just a national priority but a regional ASEAN issue.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has engaged with ASEAN nations to address cross-border burning, with ongoing domestic efforts to curb agricultural and industrial emissions.
The Thai government implemented measures, including stricter controls on crop burning, enhanced regulations for industrial emissions, and incentives for reducing vehicle pollution.
The public is urged to cooperate, and discussions are underway regarding further potential Work From Home policies to reduce travel during the high-pollution period. Hundreds of schools are also closed in Bangkok currently.
Urgent measures include seven days of free public transportation, costing 140 million baht, to alleviate immediate issues in Bangkok. The government has also partnered with the private sector to adopt sustainable practices and reduce emissions, according to PM Paetongtarn.
Industry Minister Akanat Promphan revealed three targeted strategies against PM2.5 since December 2024: (1) Reducing sugarcane burning, with strict penalties for burnt cane deliveries to the factories and sugar manufacturers; (2) Mandating real-time emission monitoring for industrial factories, leading to stricter inspections; and (3) Advancing Electric Vehicle adoption and upgrading vehicle emission standards to Euro 5 and Euro 6.
Complications such as an ongoing major wildfire in Rayong at a national park has also contributed to the problem especially in Eastern Thailand, notes TPN Media.
Officials are also actively investigating cases of people violating burning laws, such as one recent incident in which a female Thai farmer who posted her sugarcane burning photos on social media and text saying she was happy for a great harvest this year, angering many Thai netizens. The farmer claimed she doesn’t follow the news and didn’t know about the burning ban.
It is unclear however how much impact partnership with some ASEAN countries will have, TPN Media also notes, such as Myanmar which is embroiled in civil war and does not have a strong central government currently, instead being ruled by a military junta and a patchwork of various rebel groups.