Thai govt chooses not to declare PM2.5 disaster zones just yet

The Cabinet clarified at a House meeting on Thursday that it could not declare PM2.5 disaster zones in Chiang Mai and Bangkok at this time due to concerns about potential impacts on tourism. 

Deputy Defence Minister General Nattapol Nakpanit addressed the matter on behalf of the Cabinet in response to a question from Phattarapong Leelaphat, People’s Party MP from Chiang Mai.

Phattarapong asked why the government had not declared emergency zones to enable swift assistance and urgent measures in provinces “choking” with PM2.5 pollution, including Chiang Mai and Bangkok. 

In reply, Nattapol said that while the government recognised the severity of the issue, declaring disaster zones was a sensitive matter as it could harm tourism and the country’s reputation. 

He added that such a declaration will be made when necessary, but stressed the importance of careful consideration. 

He went on to say that several government agencies have come up with different factors to combat PM2.5 pollution, such as the Interior Ministry instructing local authorities to warn communities about PM2.5 levels and the Transport Ministry intensifying law enforcement against vehicles emitting black smoke. 

The Agriculture Ministry has also been implementing measures to discourage farmers from burning farm waste, while the Industry Ministry has prohibited the purchase of sugarcane harvested using burning techniques. 

He added that the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department has been conducting cloud-seeding operations to reduce air pollution, while the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is collaborating with the Defence Ministry to prevent and extinguish forest fires. 

In Bangkok, the Pollution Control Department, in collaboration with the Land Transport Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and traffic police, conducted vehicle emissions checks along Phaholyothin Road near Chatuchak Park. 

Vehicles found emitting excessive black smoke face a fine of 1,000 baht and will have to be kept off the roads for 30 days.

Once the 30 days are up, the vehicle owners will be required to present evidence of engine repairs that comply with emission standards, or the ban will remain in effect. Non-compliance carries a fine of 5,000 baht. 

Between November and December, 35,688 vehicles were inspected in Bangkok, with 269 found to exceed emissions standards. To date, only 72 of these vehicles have been repaired to meet the required standards. 

PM2.5 is tiny particulate matter that is less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter and can easily enter the lungs and bloodstream, posing serious health risks. PM2.5 pollution can come from various sources including vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, wildfires and agricultural burning as well as construction and dust.