Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, under the leadership of Minister Suchart Chomklin, has inaugurated the Air Pollution Resolution Communication Center (APCC) to address the PM2.5 dust issue, a pressing concern especially during winter months. The initiative involves real-time communication of dust situations, 7-day forecasts, and a warning system via Cell Broadcast, LINE, and SMS.
According to Thai News Agency, the government is prioritizing the mitigation of fine particulate matter due to its impact on public health and the nation’s image, especially among tourists. The newly established Center for Environmental Policy and Planning (CEPO) is tasked with integrating data from various agencies such as the Pollution Control Department, Meteorological Department, and private entities like LINE Company (Thailand) and AIS, to ensure accurate and timely communication of dust-related information.
Minister Suchart emphasized that proactive measures have been put in place well ahead of the anticipated dust season. “We won’t wait for a crisis to occur before addressing it. This year, we’ve prepared months in advance,” he stated, noting that the Environmental Crisis and Disaster Control Center (ECDC) will be the primary source of reliable information for the public.
The government has directed multiple agencies to employ all necessary measures to prevent a severe PM2.5 situation. Measures include controlling hotspots in forest areas by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, reducing agricultural burning by the Ministry of Agriculture, and enforcing strict corn import controls by the Ministry of Commerce to ensure they are sourced from burn-free fields.
Director-General Surin Worakithamrong of the Pollution Control Department highlighted the ECPC’s round-the-clock operations, focusing on three main missions: air quality monitoring through the “Air4Thai” app and over 100 stations nationwide, 7-day dust forecasts using GISTDA satellite data, and public notifications via Cell Broadcast, LINE, and SMS alerts.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the BMA is collaborating with the Pollution Control Department, utilizing both local and ECDC data to provide reliable information to the public. The city is also intensifying efforts to control dust sources by inspecting vehicles for emissions, regulating construction sites, and expanding the installation of air measurement systems in industrial boilers.
These measures have resulted in a 23% reduction in Bangkok’s air pollution since the start of winter in November compared to last year, demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive strategies.