Chiang mai: Thailand and Laos have taken a significant step towards addressing cross-border pollution by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the "Clear Sky Strategy." This agreement aims to combat forest fires, transboundary haze, and PM2.5 pollution. A key component of the strategy involves sending a team for training at the War Room in Chiang Mai.

According to Thai News Agency, the MOU was signed by Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linkham Duangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR. The agreement focuses on enhancing cooperation in managing natural resources and the environment, with an emphasis on addressing transboundary pollution and PM2.5 issues through concrete actions.

As part of the collaboration, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, alongside the private sector, has donated 30 leaf blowers and 4 automatic air quality monitoring devices to Laos. Additionally, officials are preparing to be dispatched to disseminate knowledge and facilitate cooperation on cloud seeding technology, aiming to increase moisture in remote forest areas before the 2026 haze season.

Furthermore, a delegation from Laos is scheduled to visit the War Room center in Chiang Mai from September 9-11. This visit will provide insights into the Single Command wildfire management system, which is intended to be adapted for sustainable joint control of air pollution between the two nations.