Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is taking decisive action to address vehicle emissions, particularly black smoke, as the city prepares for its dust season. The standard for black smoke emissions has been tightened from 30% to 20%, a measure in line with previous proposals to the government, accompanied by stricter penalties.

According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced after inspecting vehicles at the Sathu Pradit bus depot and the 1261 songthaew stand that the city is gearing up for its dusty season, which typically starts in November. PM2.5 dust in Bangkok is primarily caused by three factors: poor air circulation due to closed winter weather conditions, incomplete combustion in diesel vehicles, and biomass burning in surrounding or local areas. The BMA has been working with relevant agencies, including the Pollution Control Department, Traffic Police, and Department of Land Transport, to address these issues.

The revised standard for measuring black smoke reduces the acceptable opacity level from 30% to 20%. This opacity is measured by blowing smoke through filter paper; if light passing through is less than 20%, the vehicle fails the standard. Since November 1st, this measure has been in effect, and initial inspections revealed that out of 900 vehicles examined, 21 did not meet the new standard. The BMA anticipates a 24% improvement in air quality as a result.

Building on last year’s successful truck ban on the inner ring road, this year, the restriction extends to all 50 districts. On days deemed to have poor air quality, trucks with six or more wheels not on the Green List will be barred from entering Bangkok, with automatic ticketing enforced through a CCTV system. Vehicle owners wishing to operate during low air quality must have their vehicles inspected, and oil and filters changed, to apply for Green List status. Vehicles already meeting standards, such as EVs and Euro 5-6 vehicles, automatically qualify for the Green List.

For private four-wheel vehicles, Bangkok encourages voluntary participation through the “Green List Plus” program, offering discounts on oil and air filter changes from participating companies. This initiative, covering both gasoline and diesel vehicles, is active until early next year to promote better engine performance and reduced emissions.

Instead of roadside checkpoints, which cause traffic congestion, Bangkok conducts inspections at source locations such as bus depots, ports, industrial factories, and construction sites. All vehicles accessing construction sites must be on the Green List, or risk a ban on operations, enhancing both traffic flow and pollution control.

Regarding biomass burning, Bangkok, which has nearly 100,000 rai of controlled rice paddies, faces challenges from neighboring areas like Nakhon Nayok Province. Here, burning is prevalent due to labor and economic constraints, highlighting the need for multi-sectoral cooperation. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Transport, and BMA are working together for sustainable solutions.

Mr. Pornprom Vikitset, Advisor to the Bangkok Governor, noted that recent inspections found the bus depot’s condition satisfactory, but some songthaews exceeded the new opacity standards. These vehicles have been fined under the Land Transport Act of 1979 and must undergo oil and filter changes to be listed on the Green List. Experiments indicate that such changes can reduce PM2.5 emissions by up to 42%.

For vehicles with yellow license plates, the BMA and Pollution Control Department lack direct enforcement authority and must coordinate with police under the Land Transport and Traffic Act. The Bangkok Governor has requested expanded authority for the BMA to facilitate vehicle inspections.

Currently, owners of four-wheel vehicles emitting black smoke have 30 days for repairs, but the Bangkok Governor proposes reducing this to three days. Vehicles not repaired within this timeframe would be banned from use. The Pollution Control Department is considering this proposal.

The dust problem is expected to peak in January 2016, but forecasts for November 6-8, 2015, suggest moderate dust levels. Residents can monitor real-time dust levels using the Air BKK app in Bangkok and Air4Thai nationwide. Diesel vehicle owners are encouraged to change filters and oil, with promotions offering free labor and discounts. Reports of vehicles emitting black smoke can be made via Traffy Fondue, ensuring follow-up by relevant agencies.