Thailand’s government began deliberations last week on a new Clean Air Act to address the nation’s annual haze crisis that chokes the country during the dry season months, typically between December and April each year.
The sources of pollution are mainly human-made, from agricultural burning, both locally and in neighbouring countries, alongside sources from urban areas, traffic, and the industry, energy, mining and waste sectors. Air quality is also affected by forest fires that have taken a toll on the region’s landscapes and wildlife in recent years.
Of chief concern are levels of PM2.5, a class of airborne pollutants so fine that they can be inhaled into the lungs, which typically far exceed guideline levels set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in many parts of the country each year.
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