Bangkok: Bangkok is advancing its efforts to resolve the PM 2.5 dust issue by implementing 10 comprehensive measures aimed at combating dust pollution. The city is emphasizing the role of every individual in reducing dust and is collaborating with five central region areas to integrate efforts aimed at reducing burning activities.

According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has announced the new measures in collaboration with dust-fighting partners, targeting the control, reduction, and elimination of PM 2.5 dust in the city. The primary sources of PM 2.5 include closed air conditions, engine combustion, and biomass burning. The National Environment Board has designated Bangkok as a pollution control zone from November to March annually, due to recurring PM 2.5 levels exceeding acceptable standards, which pose significant public health risks.

The governor stated that the Dust Detective initiative will involve cooperation with educational institutions and relevant agencies both domestically and internationally. The goal is to study dust composition and exchange knowledge, innovations, and technologies related to air pollution, which will inform both short-term and long-term strategies. As dust levels typically rise towards the year’s end, Bangkok plans to implement more stringent measures. In 2026, the city will upgrade the following 10 measures:

1. Expand the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) measures across all 50 districts of Bangkok, particularly targeting large trucks, to reduce emissions from engine combustion. The city has also introduced a Green List registration system for vehicles that meet emission standards.

2. Launch the Green List Plus project, encouraging vehicle owners to change engine oil and air filters, with a target of reaching 500,000 vehicles by 2026.

3. Tighten black smoke management standards for vehicles, reducing the permissible limit from 30% to 20%. An average of 10,000 vehicles will be inspected monthly starting November 2025.

4. Enhance vehicle inspections at construction sites and business establishments to control pollution emissions, with a focus on black smoke levels.

5. Improve pollution management in factories and businesses, including the installation of automatic air pollution monitoring systems for chimneys.

6. Strengthen coordination with neighboring provinces to reduce biomass burning through mutual agreements.

7. Aim for 100% completion of dust-free room construction in all schools and child development centers by March 2026.

8. Expand Work From Home measures, targeting up to 300,000 participants by 2026, to minimize travel-related dust pollution.

9. Increase public notification efforts via social media, the AirBKK application, and Cell Broadcast channels.

10. Expand green spaces by planting one million trees, aiming for a total of 3 million, and establishing additional parks to reach a target of 500.

Additionally, Bangkok is working with various agencies to implement preparedness measures addressing PM 2.5 pollution in the Central region by 2026. This includes efforts to reduce burning in agricultural and forest areas in five upwind provinces, thereby mitigating pollution in urban areas. The city also plans to educate farmers on the impacts of burning and consider establishing a joint working group to develop a burning calendar if necessary.