Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spearheaded a crucial discussion to address the pervasive issue of PM 2.5 dust, focusing on the strict enforcement of a burning ban over the next three months. The comprehensive session lasted nearly three hours, emphasizing the urgent need for legal action and proposing the allocation of central budget resources to procure alternative ground preparation equipment, thereby avoiding burning practices. This measure aims to hold governors accountable for any negligence and may involve relocating officials to ministry premises to ensure compliance.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin announced this development following the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting, which focused on the challenges posed by haze, forest fires, and PM 2.5 dust. Highlighting the collaborative nature of this effort, the session involved multiple government sectors under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act. Anutin expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's unwavering support, even during international engagements, and the government's commitment to making this a national priority to safeguard public health from hazardous haze.
Anutin underscored the necessity for all agencies to rigorously enforce the ban on forest burning, open burning, and the burning of agricultural remnants over the next three months. He stressed that these activities cause significant harm to both the nation and public health. Despite previously established burning days, the meeting resolved to eliminate them entirely. Legal repercussions await those who defy this directive, including disciplinary actions and the withdrawal of financial or governmental assistance. Provincial governors are entrusted with comprehensive authority to prevent disasters, forest fires, and all forms of burning without the need for daily progress reports. The Prime Minister's spokesman, Mr. Jirayu Huangtrakul, has been tasked with disseminating updates to the public.
The meeting concluded that burning activities must be strictly prohibited, with transgressors facing severe penalties. Anutin urged governmental understanding and support, pointing out that a well-maintained domestic environment would facilitate negotiations with neighboring countries. Non-cooperation in purchasing goods or serving as a transit point for third-country products will result in sanctions. Anutin remains optimistic about securing robust cooperation on this front.
Initial discussions centered on utilizing the central budget to assist villagers in transitioning from burning to alternative methods for soil preparation, such as employing agricultural waste compactors and tractors. Provincial governors are also reviewing their budgets to determine the extent of assistance they can offer.
In response to potential non-compliance with the burning ban, Anutin stated that cooperation would initially be sought. Persistent violations would indicate insufficient enforcement by provincial governors, which is contrary to international standards. Full cooperation from governors is imperative, backed by the supporting legislation. The Prime Minister underscores the importance of this initiative, stressing swift action against negligent governors who may be summoned to reside within the ministry building.
Regarding international cooperation, Anutin clarified that ongoing negotiations with neighboring countries are underway, led by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Commerce. This was detailed in a recent cabinet meeting.