On March 24, 2025, the ongoing battle against PM2.5 pollution in Thailand has taken center stage, as authorities respond to alarming data indicating that air quality is rapidly deteriorating this year compared to 2024. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has raised concerns regarding levels of particulate matter, particularly following an uptick in wildfire activity across the nation. The situation demands immediate interventions as many areas report PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 150 micrograms per cubic meter.
In conjunction with the rising pollution levels, the DDPM has confirmed that there is a significant increase in hotspots – regions susceptible to wildfires. From January to March 2025, the country recorded a staggering 3,822,200 hotspots, compared to just 1,039,400 during the same period the previous year. The rapid escalation raises serious health concerns, prompting the government to engage with various stakeholders to urgently address the circumstance of severe ecological distress.
Particularly in regions like Chiang Rai, which were hit hardest by the harsh weather patterns and dry conditions, the local governing authorities are on high alert. Areas with consistent PM2.5 levels above 150 micrograms for more than five days are being closely monitored, with the DDPM urging affected provinces to take precautionary actions.
In response to the challenges posed by PM2.5 pollution and ongoing wildfires, on March 18, the region experienced severe weather conditions, leading to widespread damage across homes, temples, and agricultural land in 8 districts, impacting 2,496 households. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, but three individuals sustained injuries due to weather-related incidents.
To alleviate the suffering of those impacted, the government has activated a comprehensive response strategy, including the distribution of 1,000 packages containing essential goods to aid victims of the wildfires in Chiang Rai province. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment noted, “The conditions involving PM2.5 are considered dangerous; we must act fast,” underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Moreover, in Chiang Mai province, the local government has also declared disaster areas in response to the ongoing forest fires affecting five sub-districts within two districts—Chiang Dao and Om Koi. Similar to Chiang Rai, officials have recognized that PM2.5 levels there are above the acceptable standard, posing threats to public health. Under legal measures, officials are being dispatched to mitigate the problem and assist residents in danger.
Efforts have been intensified since January, with the DDPM holding 27 meetings aimed at strategizing effective responses to the smokes and other environmental impacts. Local authority heads have been charged with coordinating these initiatives and ensuring that all sectors work in unison to moderate the effects of PM2.5 on the public.
Additionally, it has become clear that the reliance on legally stipulated PM2.5 thresholds for declaring emergency areas may be hindering timely responses. As the DDPM works to across various channels to assess the environmental situation, there is an ongoing push for adjusting the current standards from 150 micrograms to 125 micrograms per cubic meter, thereby broadening access to emergency assistance. Public health organizations are echoing similar sentiments, emphasizing that current thresholds appear insufficiently responsive to the growing health crisis associated with airborne particulate pollution.
The overall strategy involves not only assessing pollution levels but also ensuring that residents remain informed about air quality concerns. The DDPM has promised to provide updates on PM2.5 levels every 24 hours, allowing for greater community awareness and engagement. “We are making all efforts to bring aid and monitor the situation,” a DDPM spokesperson stated, signaling ongoing commitment to manage the crisis effectively.
From the perspective of both local and national government agencies, addressing this pollution crisis is paramount. With the growing intensity of wildfires and consequential health risks associated with elevated PM2.5 levels, there is a collective understanding that addressing the crises of air quality and disaster relief efforts must remain a priority moving forward. As coordination across various sectors continues, the health and well-being of the population remains the central concern amid these mounting natural challenges.
