BANGKOK, Thailand – Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, emphasized the city’s commitment to proactive measures to tackle PM 2.5 dust pollution, announcing the implementation of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) on January 22. During the first night of enforcement, 725 trucks were found violating the entry restrictions, and all were fined.
Governor Chadchart, accompanied by Pornprom Vikitseth, his advisor, and the city’s sustainability officers, monitored the PM 2.5 situation at the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center in Din Daeng. He explained that the city was still facing severe air pollution, with the red zone levels of dust increasing in 21 districts, particularly in outer areas.
He acknowledged the public’s concerns but urged understanding of the root causes of the pollution, which include three main factors: 1) vehicles, 2) burning, and 3) stagnant weather conditions. He emphasized that while Bangkok has little control over air quality during periods of weather stagnation, it can only manage vehicle emissions and encourage cooperation on reducing open burning, especially from neighboring areas and countries.
Governor Chadchart highlighted the challenges of rapidly improving air quality, stating that even if traffic were entirely halted, the pollution would not immediately improve due to the combined effects of burning and weather conditions. He reiterated that solving the dust problem requires a scientific approach, not just emotional responses.
Regarding construction site complaints, the Governor clarified that the city had never ordered halts in construction activities but had always asked for cooperation, as construction was not the primary cause of the dust pollution. Studies conducted by Bangkok in collaboration with Kasetsart University had found that most of the dust particles during winter were linked to burning activities.
The LEZ initiative, which restricts trucks with six or more wheels that are not registered under the green zone from entering the Ratchadapisek ring road area and other districts, was described as a first-of-its-kind measure in Thailand. Governor Chadchart emphasized the commitment to enforce this regulation strictly, with 779 trucks entering the restricted zone overnight, of which 725 received fines.
Pornprom added that Bangkok would continue surprise inspections of black smoke-emitting vehicles and advocated for changes in regulations to address white smoke, which also contributes to pollution. He also recommended that vehicle owners maintain their engines and filters to help reduce dust and PM 2.5 levels. (TNA)
