On July 22, 2025, Thailand's Cabinet gave the green light to the second version of the national action plan aimed at tackling the persistent problem of PM2.5 air pollution. This comprehensive plan, covering the years 2025 to 2027 and extending into the subsequent five years, was proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and underscores a multi-sectoral approach to improving air quality nationwide.
The PM2.5 dust problem has long plagued Thailand, with annual average concentrations between 20 to 25 micrograms per cubic meter from 2018 to 2024, well above the national standard of 15 micrograms per cubic meter. More concerning are the 24-hour averages, which have ranged from 133.3 to 585.8 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter limit. These hazardous levels pose significant health risks to the population.
The Cabinet's approval follows the National Environment Board's endorsement on February 8, 2025, which saw the draft plan passed and recommended for submission to the Cabinet. The plan's vision is clear: to achieve good air quality through the concerted efforts of all sectors. It sets two key targets — maintaining 24-hour average PM2.5 levels at non-hazardous levels and reducing burnt scar areas by at least 50% compared to the average of the previous five years.
Addressing the sources of PM2.5 pollution, the plan categorizes measures into urban, forest, agricultural, industrial, and cross-border haze sectors. It employs a blend of technology, legal frameworks, economic incentives, and strict enforcement to curb emissions.
In urban areas, vehicle emissions and poor air circulation among tall buildings contribute significantly to pollution. To combat this, the Ministry of Transport, MNRE, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) are accelerating the rollout of low-emission and electric buses, aiming for rapid replacement of combustion engine vehicles in city fleets. The establishment of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) is planned to reduce traffic density and pollution accumulation, with differentiated fees based on vehicle type and size. Furthermore, stringent enforcement of smoke emission laws is in place. Vehicles failing emissions tests will be barred from road use, and annual tax registration is contingent on passing these checks.
Industrial sources, especially coal and biomass power plants and sugar factories, are also targeted. The Ministry of Industry is tasked with utilizing online air pollution reporting systems to monitor emissions from factories. During critical pollution periods, production schedules may be adjusted, scaled back, or temporarily halted to mitigate dust levels. Transparency is emphasized by making pollution data publicly accessible.
Forest fires, particularly in northern Thailand, have been a chronic contributor to haze. The plan calls for sophisticated geospatial information systems to monitor fire-prone areas, alongside firebreak construction and fuel management. Strict regulations govern forest use, and cooperation between the government, communities, and private sector is fostered to conserve and restore forest ecosystems. Notably, protected forest areas will be closed to unauthorized entry during critical times to prevent illegal burning.
Agricultural burning, a traditional but polluting practice, especially in central Thailand where multiple rice crops are grown annually, is addressed by promoting alternatives. The plan includes zoning to designate suitable areas for crops prone to burning, such as rice, corn, and sugarcane. It advocates for certification and traceability systems to support agricultural products free from burning, encouraging farmers to adopt non-burning methods. Mechanisms to lease or purchase agricultural machinery for residue management are also part of the strategy, alongside market incentives for clean agricultural products.
Cross-border haze from neighboring countries remains a challenge due to seasonal winds carrying pollutants into Thailand. To tackle this, the plan emphasizes international cooperation through bilateral and multilateral frameworks, data sharing, and joint monitoring centers. Import and export controls on products contributing to transboundary pollution are considered, alongside accountability measures for polluters.
To enhance overall management efficiency, the plan proposes developing a central air quality management database integrating real-time air quality data, health impact statistics, and pollution sources. It calls for coordinated communication strategies across government, private sector, media, and the public to disseminate accurate information and timely warnings. Public engagement is further bolstered by networks of volunteers and private sector partners assisting in monitoring and response efforts.
Health protection measures include establishing clean air rooms, distributing personal protective equipment to vulnerable groups, and expanding environmental health clinics to advise the public on protective behaviors during pollution episodes. Research and innovation play a vital role, with projects focusing on real-time emission measurement, artificial rainmaking in fire-affected forests, behavioral studies in recurrent burn areas, and development of comprehensive air quality health indices.
The plan's governance involves a three-tier mechanism: nationally, the National Environment Board oversees coordination and monitoring; regionally, tailored management aligns with local ecological and cultural contexts; and locally, a unified command system under provincial governors ensures swift operational responses during pollution crises.
In addition to the environmental agenda, the Cabinet reviewed ongoing medical infrastructure projects, including expansions at Nakhonping Hospital in Chiang Mai and Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, with updated budgets reflecting increased construction areas and costs. These projects aim to enhance healthcare capacity, including specialized centers for cardiac care and cancer treatment.
Further, the Cabinet approved measures to ease labor regulations for Cambodian workers amid ongoing border control adjustments. Eligible Cambodian nationals holding valid or expired border passes are allowed to work in Thailand for six months or until normal border operations resume, with fines for overstaying waived. Work permits can be applied for electronically, with fees totaling 325 baht, valid for three months and renewable. Workers must report to immigration within 30 days of application and every 30 days thereafter. An additional seven-day grace period is granted for those preparing to return home once border controls normalize.
These comprehensive measures reflect Thailand's commitment to tackling the multifaceted PM2.5 pollution crisis, balancing environmental, health, and socio-economic factors. The success of this ambitious plan hinges on effective implementation, inter-agency cooperation, and public participation to breathe cleaner, healthier air into the future.
