BANGKOK, Thailand – The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has announced its intensified measures to combat PM2.5 airborne dust in 2025, aiming to reduce wildfire hotspots by 25% and strengthen the enforcement of laws banning open burning in agricultural areas.
PCD Director-General Preeyaporn Suwanaged spoke about the measures prepared to address wildfires, haze, and airborne dust in 2025. She explained that the current period marks the beginning of rising dust levels in Bangkok and its surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted that after October 23, rainfall in upper Thailand will decrease, and a cold air mass will extend over the Northern and Northeastern regions. This is expected to lead to higher airborne dust levels in Bangkok and nearby areas between October 24 and 27. The situation will be worsened by minimal air movement during this period, preventing the dust from dispersing.
Preeyaporn noted that incentives will be offered to the agricultural sector to help reduce pollution, with farmers benefiting from ad-hoc measures. Those who do not comply with regulations risk losing their right to farm on state-allocated land or having other government assistance revoked. She also mentioned that a registration process will be implemented to record the identities of farmers needing to use controlled fires, with these fires to be managed and permitted only when necessary.
Regarding transboundary haze, particularly in the Northern Region, Preeyaporn said the Cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Commerce with implementing a policy that prohibits the purchase of produce from farmlands where burning activities have taken place. The commerce ministry is currently reviewing this policy. Additionally, an information center on transboundary haze and a command center for wildfire prevention and control in neighboring countries will be established.
The PCD chief indicated that her agency is targeting a 25% reduction in wildfire hotspots in 2025, with a 15% reduction specifically for agricultural areas. The agency also aims for 100% compliance with non-burning regulations in urban areas and expects the overall PM2.5 situation to improve compared to the beginning of 2024. (NNT)
