Bangkok: Minister Suchart Chomklin, on his first day in office as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, underscored the importance of addressing wildfires and PM2.5 pollution to mitigate their impact on public health.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suchart, continuing his role from the previous administration, paid respects to the sacred objects at the ministry and highlighted these environmental issues as immediate priorities. He announced plans to enhance measures for controlling these situations, particularly in high-risk areas, as PM2.5 levels remain high despite a reduction in hotspots. The Pollution Control Department reported that low ventilation rates and transboundary haze are contributing factors.
Mr. Suchart has directed agencies to bolster proactive efforts across 17 northern provinces, focusing on controlling forest fires, preventing burning, and strictly enforcing the law. A Forest Fire and Haze Mitigation Operations Center has been established to serve as a central command center, aiming to resolve the forest fire issues before the Songkran festival.
Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, Mr. Surin Worakitthamrong, revealed that PM2.5 levels still exceed standards in many areas, despite a reduction in hotspots. Meteorological factors and transboundary haze are causing dust accumulation. The Air Pollution Control Communication Center reported high PM2.5 levels in 48 provinces, with the North showing the highest particulate matter levels.
The Pollution Control Department advises the public to limit outdoor activities and use protective equipment, especially vulnerable groups. Efforts to address transboundary haze involve ASEAN mechanisms, direct communications with neighboring countries, and diplomatic channels. Cooperation with Myanmar and Laos has led to a decrease in regional hotspots.
The outlook for air pollution from April 9th to 15th, 2026, indicates increasing affected areas in Bangkok, central, western, northern, and northeastern regions, while the eastern region shows a downward trend. The southern region's air quality remains good.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's directive to integrate efforts to resolve forest fire and haze issues, aiming to reduce environmental and public health impacts.