Thailand’s clean air bill targets PM2.5 dust menace

Thailand’s Cabinet has given preliminary approval to the Clean Air Bill, a bold initiative designed to combat the annual scourge of PM2.5 ultra-fine dust. This is a major move that gives authorities the necessary tools to manage sources of air pollutants effectively, particularly the minuscule dust particles that become a significant issue in the country each cool season.

The Clean Air Bill, proposed by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, is an ambitious plan to systematically reduce air pollution. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will head a committee on clean air dedicated to controlling pollutants from four main sources – factories and workplaces, outdoor burning areas, vehicles, and transboundary haze.

To fulfil these environmental requirements, the government will establish clean air standards,…