Bangkok: Thammasat University academics have proposed five urgent measures to the government and local authorities to help the public cope with the growing threat of PM 2.5 particulate matter and wildfires. These measures include relocating vulnerable groups, implementing work-from-home policies, distributing N95 masks, deploying mobile health units, and supporting hospitals with air purifiers.
According to Thai News Agency, Associate Professor Dr. Atchara Chalayannavin, Dean of the Faculty of Social Work at Thammasat University, emphasized the importance of these measures in response to the worsening air quality crisis in northern regions such as Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son. The proposed measures aim to address the immediate health impacts on the public.
The proposed measures include urgent actions such as evacuating vulnerable groups to safe shelters, issuing directives for government agencies and schools to adopt work-from-home practices, providing free N95 masks, organizing mobile health units for monitoring public health, and equipping hospitals with air purifiers.
Concurrently, four additional actions are recommended to support short-term solutions and establish long-term mechanisms for addressing wildfires and PM2.5 pollution. A central agency for wildfire management is suggested to coordinate efforts across various departments, including utilizing satellite data and drones for monitoring and enforcing legal actions.
Furthermore, the establishment of a pollution compensation fund, making effective masks freely available, and encouraging factories to contribute to pollution reduction initiatives are highlighted as crucial steps. The enhancement of satellite technology and early planning for wildfire management are also recommended to improve response efficiency.
The proposed measures aim to create a coordinated and comprehensive approach to mitigating the severe impacts of air pollution and wildfires on public health and the environment.