Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed governors of all northern provinces to prioritise tackling seasonal air pollution, while allowing flexibility for government employees to work from home where necessary.
The premier said he had instructed governors to step up measures against the renewed spike in PM2.5 fine-dust pollution, stressing stringent enforcement against open burning, similar to last year.
Coordination with neighbouring countries to curb transboundary haze is an issue that continues to be raised in ASEAN forums. But focusing on what Thailand can control domestically, and it has already decreased significantly, the leader said.
Last year, Thailand enforced a ban on open burning in its northern provinces and penalised violators, including those burning agricultural waste. The government’s tough measures helped significantly reduce PM2.5 levels during the same period.
Dr Suphakorn Tultrairat, an occupational medicine specialist at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital in Bangkok, said that about 10 million people have reported being affected by PM2.5 so far this year, based on data from state hospitals. The figure represents a decrease from the 12 million recorded in 2024, he said.
Respiratory illnesses remain the most common ailment, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and bronchitis, followed by skin rashes and eye irritation. He warned that PM2.5 can be fatal for those with pre-existing chronic respiratory diseases, although the overall level of severity can vary.
The Pollution Control Department reported that PM2.5 levels are expected to exceed national standards in many areas from December 6 to 9, particularly in Bangkok and surrounding provinces./.
