Bangkok: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reaffirmed the need for all government agencies in the dust elimination committee to persist in their efforts to reduce dust problems, following directives from the Prime Minister to significantly cut down dust levels by the end of the year. Currently, dust levels have seen a reduction, leading to clearer and better-ventilated air, a result of stringent government measures such as stopping burning and halting purchases. Today marks the "Campaign Day to be Free from Toxic Smoke from Forest Fires in 2025," urging all sectors to contribute towards clean air for Thai citizens.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, advisor to the DDPM, disclosed that during a meeting of the Committee on Dust Prevention and Resolution, the Pollution Control Department reported that PM2.5 dust levels were within acceptable standards in most areas, particularly in Bangkok, with only Ratchadaphisek Road showing elevated levels in the morning. In the northern provinces, only Nan Province reported dust values slightly above the standard, with overall trends showing improvement.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported numerous hotspots, primarily in agricultural and forested areas. Kanchanaburi had the highest number of hotspots at 1,319, followed by Tak with 1,294, Uttaradit with 804, Lampang with 429, and Chaiyaphum with 358. The Royal Forest Department maintained efforts to extinguish forest fires, survey areas, patrol, and suppress illegal forest burning.
The ongoing campaign against burning involves door-to-door efforts to educate communities about the prohibition of forest burning, reaching 766 communities and 16,824 households. Legal actions have been taken against offenders, with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation prosecuting 23 cases of illegal forest fires, arresting 4 suspects, and covering a damaged area of 1,148 rai. Additionally, inspections on smoke emissions led to 445 vehicles being banned from use nationwide.
Weather conditions today, characterized by a cold air mass over Thailand and easterly winds in the southern region, have resulted in significant rainfall in some areas, such as Surat Thani, improving air circulation and helping to clear dust and smoke. Nonetheless, authorities continue to monitor the dust situation and hotspots daily, particularly in Bangkok, with increased vigilance recommended from February 26 onward.
Mr. Jirayu emphasized, "Today, February 24, is the campaign day to eliminate toxic smoke from forest fires in 2025. Cooperation from government agencies and citizens from all walks of life is requested to resist all forms of burning, refrain from setting forest fires, reduce smoke, and prevent fires caused by human behavior, which affects everyone."