Thanakorn Urges Government to Tackle PM 2.5 Crisis as Dust Levels Fluctuate in Bangkok
As Bangkok braces for fluctuating PM 2.5 levels from January 12 to 19, 2025, former Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, has called for urgent government action to mitigate the escalating air pollution crisis. The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (RTA) deputy leader emphasized the need for stricter measures to protect public health, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children.
Rising Dust Levels and Health Concerns
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Recent data from AirVisual shows that PM 2.5 levels in Bangkok have reached orange and red levels in some areas, indicating unhealthy air quality. While current levels are manageable, the Meteorological Department predicts a 1-2 degree Celsius temperature drop during this period, accompanied by cool mornings and strong winds. These conditions, combined with dry weather, heighten the risk of forest fires, a notable contributor to PM 2.5 pollution.
Mr. Thanakorn has urged officials to criminalize those who set fires in forests or abandoned areas, citing the widespread environmental damage caused by such actions. “It is indeed crucial to enforce stricter penalties for forest burning, as it directly impacts air quality and public health,” he stated.
Black Smoke Vehicles: A Major Culprit
Another primary source of PM 2.5 pollution is diesel-fueled trucks and public transportation vehicles emitting black smoke. Mr. Thanakorn has called on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to intensify inspections of buses and other vehicles under their jurisdiction. He also urged the Traffic Police Division to enforce stricter regulations on black smoke emissions from large trucks, which remain a common sight on Bangkok’s roads.
“The law must be enforced more rigorously to reduce pollution and protect the people,” he emphasized.
Proposed Measures to Combat Pollution
To address the crisis, Mr. Thanakorn has proposed several measures:
- Work-from-Home (WFH) Policies: Encouraging government agencies to adopt WFH arrangements to reduce traffic emissions.
- School Adjustments: Prohibiting outdoor activities in schools and equipping classrooms with air purifiers to protect children from toxic dust.
- Stricter Enforcement: Imposing severe penalties on those who burn forests or operate vehicles emitting black smoke.
“If the government and provincial governors, including Bangkok, implement strict measures, we can considerably reduce the health impacts on the public,” Mr. thanakorn said.
Key Points at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| PM 2.5 Levels | Orange and red levels in some areas; fluctuating from January 12-19, 2025. |
| Main Causes | Forest fires, black smoke from diesel vehicles. |
| Proposed Measures | WFH policies, school adjustments, stricter enforcement. |
| Vulnerable Groups | Elderly and young children at higher risk. |
A Call to Action
The PM 2.5 crisis is not just an environmental issue but a public health emergency. As Bangkok residents navigate the challenges of air pollution, Mr. Thanakorn’s call for immediate action serves as a reminder of the collective duty to safeguard our surroundings and health.
For real-time updates on Bangkok’s air quality, visit IQAir’s live air quality map.
Let’s work together to breathe cleaner air and protect our future generations.
Expert Insights on Bangkok’s PM 2.5 Crisis: A Conversation with Dr. Somchai Suthipong,Air Quality Specialist
As Bangkok faces fluctuating PM 2.5 levels and rising concerns over air quality, the city’s residents are grappling with the health impacts of pollution. To shed light on the issue, we sat down with Dr. somchai Suthipong, a renowned air quality specialist and environmental scientist, to discuss the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to Bangkok’s PM 2.5 crisis. Dr. Suthipong shares his expertise on forest fires, black smoke emissions, and the urgent measures needed to protect public health.
Rising dust Levels and Health Concerns
Senior Editor: Dr. Suthipong,thank you for joining us.Recent data shows that PM 2.5 levels in Bangkok have reached orange and red levels in some areas. What does this mean for public health, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and children?
Dr. Somchai Suthipong: Thank you for having me.The orange and red levels indicate unhealthy air quality, which poses important risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health. For vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children, prolonged exposure can lead to severe health complications, including asthma, bronchitis, and even long-term lung damage. It’s crucial to monitor these levels closely and take immediate action to mitigate exposure.
Senior Editor: The Meteorological Department predicts a temperature drop and strong winds during this period. How do these weather conditions exacerbate the PM 2.5 problem?
Dr. Somchai Suthipong: Cooler temperatures and strong winds can create a perfect storm for air pollution. Dry weather increases the risk of forest fires, which are a major source of PM 2.5.Additionally, strong winds can carry particulate matter over long distances, spreading pollution across urban areas. These conditions make it even more challenging to control air quality.
Forest Fires and Environmental Damage
Senior Editor: Mr. Thanakorn has called for stricter penalties for those who set forest fires. How significant is this issue in contributing to Bangkok’s PM 2.5 levels?
Dr. Somchai Suthipong: Forest fires are a significant contributor to PM 2.5 pollution, especially during the dry season. When forests or abandoned areas are burned, they release large amounts of particulate matter and toxic gases into the atmosphere. This not only degrades air quality but also causes widespread environmental damage. Criminalizing such actions is a necessary step to deter these harmful practices and protect both public health and ecosystems.
Black Smoke Emissions from Vehicles
Senior Editor: Another major source of PM 2.5 pollution is black smoke from diesel vehicles. What measures do you think are necessary to address this issue?
Dr. Somchai Suthipong: diesel-fueled vehicles, especially trucks and buses, are a major culprit. To tackle this, we need stricter enforcement of emission standards. Regular inspections of public transportation vehicles and heavy penalties for non-compliance are essential. Additionally, promoting cleaner alternatives, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, can considerably reduce emissions in the long term.
Proposed Solutions to Combat Pollution
Senior Editor: Mr.Thanakorn has proposed several measures, including work-from-home policies and school adjustments. How effective do you think these measures would be?
Dr. Somchai Suthipong: These measures are practical and can have an immediate impact.Work-from-home policies reduce traffic emissions,which are a significant source of PM 2.5. Adjusting school activities to limit outdoor exposure and equipping classrooms with air purifiers can protect children, who are particularly vulnerable. Though, these measures must be part of a broader, long-term strategy that includes stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns.
A Call to Action
Senior Editor: what message would you like to convey to the public and policymakers regarding the PM 2.5 crisis?
Dr. Somchai Suthipong: This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health emergency. We need collective action from the government, businesses, and individuals to address the root causes of pollution.Stricter enforcement, cleaner technologies, and public awareness are key to reducing PM 2.5 levels. Let’s work together to protect our health and ensure a cleaner, safer surroundings for future generations.
Senior Editor: Thank you,Dr. Suthipong,for your valuable insights. It’s clear that addressing Bangkok’s PM 2.5 crisis requires immediate and sustained efforts from all stakeholders.
For real-time updates on Bangkok’s air quality, visit IQAir’s live air quality map.
