Greta Jimenez
Thailand has been facing a severe air pollution problem, which has intensified due to seasonal forest fires, agricultural practices, vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and industrial discharges. The air pollution in Thailand is so severe that it has made the news almost every day, with cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai having extremely poor air quality. The air pollution in Thailand poses a significant threat to public health, with an estimated 1.3 million people suffering from air pollution-related diseases in 2023. To address this issue, the Department of Health, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, and the World Health Organization (WHO) are working together to implement protective measures and community innovations to mitigate the health impacts of air pollution. Additionally, local communities in Thailand's upper northern regions, such as Ping Khong, Mae Na, and Sop Pong, have adopted sustainable practices and raised awareness about environmental issues, setting an example for the rest of the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution in Thailand is seasonal | From December to February, it is common to see people in Bangkok wearing masks and switching on air purifiers |
| Air pollution is a complex mixture of | Solid particles, liquid droplets, and gases |
| Most critical impact on human health | Delicate particulate matter, known as PM 2.5, which is smaller than the width of a human hair |
| Impact of PM 2.5 on human body | Can quickly enter our bodies, even making their way through the bloodstream affecting all major organs |
| Impact of air pollution on health | Increases the risk of many non-communicable diseases, such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer |
| Impact of air pollution on children | Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more vulnerable to air pollution |
| Sources of air pollution | Vehicular emissions in cities, biomass burning and transboundary haze in rural and border areas, and industrial discharges in concentrated industrialized zones |
| Impact of air pollution on mortality | Each 10-μg/m3 increase in PM10 is associated with a 1.25% increase in all-cause mortality |
| Air pollution in Chiang Mai | In 2019, Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, had overtaken Bangkok in terms of the level of pollution, with a yearly average of 32.3 μg/m3 of PM2.5 |
| Air pollution and economic development | If the problem of air pollution is not solved, the cost will accumulate every year, impacting the country's human capital and economic development |
| Initiatives to reduce air pollution | Community-led initiatives in Ping Khong, Mae Na, and Sop Pong sub-districts have adopted sustainable farming practices, waste management, and water conservation workshops |
What You'll Learn
Reducing vehicular emissions
Thailand's air pollution is a complex mixture of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gases. The three major sources of air pollution are vehicular emissions in cities, biomass burning and transboundary haze in rural and border areas, and industrial discharges in concentrated industrial zones. Vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution in Thailand, particularly in cities like Bangkok. The main sources of these emissions are older vehicles such as buses and trucks, which emit toxic smoke and fumes.
To reduce vehicular emissions in Thailand, several measures can be implemented:
Firstly, the government should enforce existing measures to remove polluting vehicles from the roads. This includes ensuring that older, poorly maintained buses and trucks are replaced or retrofitted with more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. This could involve offering incentives for people to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles, or improving public transportation to reduce the number of private cars on the roads.
Secondly, stricter emission standards and regulations should be implemented and enforced for all vehicles, with regular inspections to ensure compliance. This could include mandatory emissions testing for all vehicles, with penalties for those that do not meet the standards.
Thirdly, Thailand could invest in and promote the use of renewable and clean energy sources for transportation. This could include the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the promotion of electric public transportation options. Additionally, the country could explore alternatives to road transportation, such as improving and expanding rail networks, which produce less emissions than road vehicles.
Finally, education and awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in reducing vehicular emissions. By raising awareness about the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality and public health, individuals can be encouraged to make more sustainable choices. This includes choices such as carpooling, using public transportation, or switching to cleaner forms of personal transportation, like electric scooters or bicycles.
By implementing these measures, Thailand can significantly reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in its cities, protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Improving access to protective measures
One way to improve access to protective measures is to raise awareness about the issue and the actions individuals can take to protect themselves. This includes providing information about the real-time air quality in different areas, so people can make informed decisions about their activities and the protective measures they may need to take. For example, during periods of high air pollution, individuals may choose to stay indoors, wear masks when outdoors, or use air purifiers at home.
Additionally, it is important to address the social and economic disparities that impact access to protective measures. As noted by Dr Wirun Limsawart, Director of the Society and Health Institute, people from different income levels have different capacities to protect themselves from air pollution. Those with higher incomes may have access to air conditioners and purifiers, while those in lower-income communities may lack the resources and knowledge to protect themselves adequately.
To address these disparities, collaborative efforts between government, non-governmental organizations, and community groups are necessary. For example, the Department of Health, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Thailand have worked together to identify and share successful local strategies for mitigating the health impacts of air pollution. These strategies include community-led initiatives, such as those in Ping Khong, Mae Na, and Sop Pong sub-districts, which have adopted sustainable farming practices, waste management, and water conservation workshops.
Furthermore, improving access to protective measures also involves implementing policies and regulations that reduce emissions and enforce the removal of highly polluting vehicles from the roads. Thailand has taken steps towards this, but more stringent enforcement of preventative measures is needed to make a significant impact on air quality.
By combining community-led initiatives, improved access to information, and policy changes, Thailand can improve access to protective measures and reduce the health risks associated with air pollution.
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Raising awareness and education
One powerful method of raising awareness is through personal stories and experiences. For example, a makeup artist-turned-environmentalist, Ms Amata Chittasenee, conducted a project in Bangkok to reveal the hidden colours of the city's air. By sticking transparent tape on various surfaces, she found a spectrum of grey to pitch black, indicating high levels of dust and pollution. Initiatives like this can effectively communicate the extent of air pollution, making it more tangible and relatable for the public.
Additionally, community-led initiatives and success stories from across Thailand can play a vital role in raising awareness and inspiring action. For instance, the communities in Ping Khong, Mae Na, and Sop Pong sub-districts have implemented sustainable farming practices, renewable energy sources, waste management, and water conservation workshops. These local actions have led to significant environmental and public health improvements, showcasing the positive impact of collective efforts. Sharing these success stories can motivate individuals, communities, and policymakers to adopt more sustainable practices and drive systemic change.
Moreover, it is essential to address the disparity in awareness and access to protective measures among people from different socio-economic backgrounds. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their income level, understands the risks of air pollution and has access to resources to protect themselves is crucial. This includes providing information and education through various channels, such as public service announcements, community workshops, and school programmes.
Education is a key aspect of raising awareness. Encouraging educational institutions to include environmental topics, particularly air pollution, in their curricula can help foster a generation that is conscious of environmental challenges and proactive in addressing them. Equipping students with knowledge about the causes and consequences of air pollution, as well as potential solutions, can empower them to make a difference in their communities.
Lastly, utilising technology and data visualisation can be powerful tools for raising awareness. Real-time air quality maps and indices, such as the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the World Air Quality Index project, provide easily accessible information about air pollution levels. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and encourages a sense of collective responsibility for the environment.
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Encouraging sustainable farming practices
Thailand has historically had an agricultural-based economy, which has played a critical role in the country's economy and has provided millions of Thai people with their livelihoods. However, traditional agricultural practices have negatively impacted the local and regional environments, causing issues such as water and soil contamination from the overuse of hazardous chemicals and air pollution from field burning.
To combat this, Thailand has implemented several initiatives to encourage sustainable farming practices. One example is the project supported by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Forestry. This project focuses on organic farming practices within the reserved forest area of Doi Luang Chiang Mai. Farmers are incentivized to adopt practices that reduce burning and fuel consumption, such as reforestation and the establishment of water retention barriers to increase forest moisture levels.
Another successful initiative is the OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) Certification, which supports local products and crafts and encourages community-oriented practices. Thai brands can also obtain certifications from international organizations such as Fair Trade, USDA Organic, and the Forest Stewardship Council to showcase their sustainability commitments.
The Thai government also offers various incentives to foreign investors, including tax breaks, grants, and land lease options, aimed at encouraging investment in green technology and sustainable agriculture. These incentives not only attract investors but also contribute to Thailand's overall economic growth and promote collaboration in agriculture and technology transfer.
Additionally, communities in Ping Khong, Mae Na, and Sop Pong sub-districts have implemented sustainable farming practices that maintain and improve the environment, ensure economic stability, and support social equity. For example, the Huai Luek Royal Project has encouraged farmers to move away from monoculture and towards diversified crops, reducing air pollution from crop burning.
These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to environmental health and showcase the power of community action in addressing air pollution and laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.
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Reducing industrial discharges
Thailand's air pollution is a complex issue with a variety of sources, including industrial discharges. While the country has made some progress in pollution management, more needs to be done to address the problem of industrial emissions. Here are some strategies and initiatives that can help reduce industrial discharges and improve air quality in Thailand:
Firstly, it is essential to foster a culture of conservation and environmental responsibility within the industrial sector. This involves raising awareness about the impact of industrial activities on air quality and encouraging industries to adopt sustainable practices. Thailand has already implemented several national policies and strategies to address pollution, including the 20-Year Master Plan on Air Quality Management (2018-2037) and the Plastic Waste Management Roadmap 2018-2030. These policies provide a framework for reducing plastic waste and improving air quality.
Secondly, Thailand should focus on reducing industrial discharges by enforcing stricter emission standards and regulations. The government should work closely with industries to set clear targets for reducing emissions and implement effective pollution control technologies. Industries that exceed emission standards should face penalties, and incentives should be offered to those that meet or exceed targets. This can be supported by regular air quality monitoring by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to ensure industries comply with regulations.
Thirdly, promoting industrial innovation and the adoption of clean technologies can significantly reduce emissions. Industries should be encouraged to invest in research and development to find more sustainable ways to operate. This includes exploring alternatives to fossil fuels, such as wind energy, and implementing energy efficiency measures to reduce their carbon footprint. The government can provide tax incentives and subsidies to support industries in transitioning to cleaner technologies.
Additionally, Thailand can learn from successful community-led initiatives, such as those in Ping Khong, Mae Na, and Sop Pong. These communities have implemented sustainable farming practices, carbon credit projects, and waste management programs that contribute to reducing air pollution. By encouraging knowledge-sharing and providing resources to support similar initiatives nationwide, Thailand can empower communities to drive environmental change and reduce industrial discharges at a local level.
Lastly, Thailand should invest in long-term solutions by supporting research and development in environmental technologies. This includes exploring innovative ways to treat wastewater and reduce industrial discharges into water bodies, as ineffective wastewater management remains a significant challenge. By fostering collaboration between industries, academia, and the government, Thailand can drive the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions to reduce industrial air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
The three major sources of air pollution in Thailand are vehicular emissions in cities, biomass burning and transboundary haze in rural and border areas, and industrial discharges in concentrated industrial zones.
Air pollution increases the risk of many non-communicable diseases, such as ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. According to health authorities, more than 1.3 million people have already suffered from air pollution-related diseases in 2023.
People from different income levels have different capacities to protect themselves from air pollution. Those who can afford it can use air conditioners and purifiers to filter the air they breathe. For those who cannot, wearing masks when outdoors can help prevent the inhalation of harmful pollutants.
The Thai government has implemented measures to remove offending vehicles from the road, but these preventative measures are not often fully enforced. However, community-led initiatives in certain areas, such as Ping Khong, Mae Na, and Sop Pong, have successfully led to meaningful environmental and public health improvements.
Individuals can play a role in solving air pollution in Thailand by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. This includes reducing plastic use, preserving water resources, and using renewable energy sources. Additionally, individuals can support community-led initiatives and advocate for stronger government action to address air pollution.
