Bangkok is grappling with a significant air pollution crisis, prompting urgent calls for government intervention. On January 29, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced intentions to designate the capital as a "pollution control area" to expedite action against rising PM2.5 levels expected to increase over the coming week. This designation would empower local authorities and facilitate quicker access to environmental budgets needed for pollution control.
During the cabinet meeting on January 28, the Thai government approved a budget of 6.2 billion baht to combat air pollution, primarily targeting the Bangkok metropolitan area amid worsening air quality across the country. This funding will reinforce previous temporary bans on slash-and-burn practices and promote alternative waste management methods.
Governor Chadchart emphasized the importance of the proposed designation, noting, "This will allow for effective measures and quicker implementation of solutions." The governor's request for this designation will be submitted at the next cabinet meeting, aiming to bolster the authority of municipal measures against air pollution.
The government's comprehensive budget will also support initiatives aimed at preventing forest fires and enhancing firefighting resources. An additional 1.4 billion baht allocation will finance free public transport options like city trains and buses, which authorities claim have increased ridership by 40-50% daily and reduced vehicular traffic significantly.
According to the Thai National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center, various locations across Thailand are experiencing elevated PM2.5 pollution levels, expected to persist until February 3. On January 30, state media NNT reported strict enforcement of prohibitions on outdoor burning to mitigate the situation, particularly in regions where air quality has dropped below safety standards.
Public health measures are also actively being mobilized to assist vulnerable populations. The Ministry of Public Health has deployed 76 emergency medical teams to provinces particularly affected, including Chiang Rai and Nakhon Pathom, serving nearly 178,000 individuals at risk, including children, the elderly, and patients with preexisting health conditions.
Medical teams are now distributing over 180,000 basic masks and 1.1 million N95 masks to residents, especially targeting areas severely impacted by pollution. Notably, 377,000 additional masks are being provided to those at high risk within Bangkok alone. While N95 masks offer significant protection, officials recommend wearing double standard masks when pollution levels reach alarming heights.
The disaster management center is stressing a policy of prevention, suppression, support, and dust reduction. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take immediate action against violators of air quality regulations, with daily reporting mandated to assess compliance and act decisively against recalcitrant institutions.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant about air quality and take necessary protective measures. Information disseminated by government sources highlights the severity of the current air quality crisis and the steps being taken to safeguard public health amid increasing pollution.
The air pollution crisis has also become intertwined with agricultural practices, with officials stressing the necessity of revising current farming practices to reduce environmental impact. The government's ban on the burning of agricultural waste from June 1 to May 31 of the following year aims to diminish the smoke contributing to poor air quality. Instead, farmers are encouraged to undertake alternative waste disposal methods.
With the repercussions of severe air pollution being felt across both urban and rural areas, the need for cohesive action cannot be overstated. The crisis demands both immediate responses and longer-term strategies to improve air quality for all Thais. The measures being implemented are indicative of the increasing seriousness with which air pollution is now being addressed at various governance levels.