Bangkok: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) continues to enforce stringent measures to curb dust pollution, including a ban on burning, restrictions on vehicles emitting black smoke, and strict regulation of factories. Special attention is being directed towards 17 northern provinces following a rise in dust levels due to over 55,000 hotspots identified in neighboring countries.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, advisor to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, stated that the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) identified 6,713 hotspots within the country. The provinces with the highest number of hotspots are Tak with 1,004, Chiang Mai with 656, Lampang with 643, Nan with 453, and Phayao with 448. Additionally, neighboring Myanmar reported 55,839 hotspots. It is crucial to monitor the dust situation closely from now until March 23, 2025, particularly in the upper northern provinces bordering Myanmar.
Data from the Pollution Control Department indicates that, while air quality nationwide remains normal to good, the 17 northern provinces are experiencing air quality that poses health risks, with levels reaching the orange category and averaging between 25.6 to 143.0 micrograms per cubic meter.
Mr. Jirayu emphasized during the meeting that agencies in the 17 northern provinces must remain vigilant regarding the escalating dust situation until March 23, especially in regions adjacent to neighboring countries.
The Department of Industrial Works has been conducting inspections of factories in these provinces to ensure compliance with regulations aimed at reducing dust and smoke emissions. Since November 2024, 759 factories have been inspected, with 752 found compliant and 7 requiring corrective measures before resuming operations.
Furthermore, the Royal Thai Police have been active in inspecting vehicles for pollution and black smoke emissions. Between March 12-16, 2025, they inspected 15,440 vehicles, leading to 1,152 arrests and prosecutions, along with 8,862 warnings. Inspections were also conducted in forest, field crop, and agricultural areas, resulting in 10 prosecutions.