BANGKOK, Thailand – Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, alongside key officials from the Ministry of Energy, Pollution Control Department, and Federation of Thai Land Transport, announced today a new collaborative initiative to combat PM2.5 air pollution in Bangkok, October 29. This plan includes Thailand’s first low-emission control zones, prohibiting six-wheel trucks from entering inner Bangkok across 22 designated areas when air quality reaches critical levels, typically from November to March.
Governor Chadchart noted, “Bangkok is leveraging legal tools under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act to control pollution sources in emergency situations.” The new measures include:
- Low Emission Zone Restrictions: During severe PM2.5 events, truck entry into nine specific districts will be restricted. Non-complying vehicles risk fines or imprisonment. Green-registered trucks, which meet specific maintenance standards, are exempt. Registration for the “Green Account” starts November 1, 2567 (2024).
- “This Car Reduces Dust” Project 2025: Targeting 500,000 vehicles from November to January, this initiative calls on public and private sectors to participate in air quality improvements.
- Work From Home Policy: To reduce traffic emissions, a work-from-home mandate may be implemented in impacted districts when PM2.5 reaches red-level alerts for two consecutive days.
- Straw-Baling Equipment for Farmers: Easier access to baling machines aims to reduce agricultural burning.
- PM2.5 Detection Project: The National Astronomical Research Institute will track pollution sources, guiding response measures.
- Air Quality Flags and Clean Rooms in Schools: Dust-free rooms and educational programs will help protect student health.
- Air Pollution Clinics: Open in eight Bangkok hospitals to provide health services related to pollution exposure.
Governor Chadchart expressed confidence that these steps, along with advanced monitoring, will foster long-term improvements in Bangkok’s air quality.
