Bangkok: Opposition MPs have united to support the Clean Air Management Act, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public health and quality of life. At a press conference held at the Parliament building, opposition leaders Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu and Mr. Pattarapong Leelaphat from the People's Party, along with Ms. Kardee Leowpairoj of the Democrat Party, received a letter from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanungnit Sribua-iam. The letter, representing civil society organizations, urged the promotion of the Clean Air Management Act.
According to Thai News Agency, while the government has indicated its intention to support the Clean Air Management Act, the draft has yet to be submitted to Parliament, raising concerns about its future. The process necessitates approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, with uncertainties about potential amendments that might dilute the Act's effectiveness. Continuous public monitoring since 2019 has shown consistent support from MPs across political divides for advancing the Act.
Mr. Parit Wacharasindhu, representing the opposition coalition, affirmed their commitment to using all mechanisms to push the Act forward. He outlined a two-step process: first, the Cabinet must confirm the bill by May 12th, which the opposition is vigilantly monitoring. The coalition has invited Cabinet Secretariat representatives for discussions to ensure the bill's passage. If not confirmed, they plan to seek explanations and push for a review before the deadline. The second step involves a joint parliamentary session requiring at least 350 votes out of 700 to advance the draft, reliant on the ruling and opposition MPs' support.
Ms. Kardee Leowpairoj emphasized the bipartisan agreement on the urgency of addressing air pollution. She underscored the need for structural changes, including policy revisions and new laws to curb pollution at its source, asserting the opposition's commitment to ensuring the Act's effectiveness. The issue, she noted, extends beyond environmental concerns to impact human security, health, and economic stability, prompting a unified stance for legislative action.