Bangkok: Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party, has emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable plan to address the escalating PM 2.5 dust problem in Thailand. She stresses that temporary solutions are insufficient and advocates for the strict enforcement of laws to reduce pollution sources like black smoke and burning plant remains. Her proposals include supporting clean energy and increasing green spaces to combat the toxic dust crisis.
According to Thai News Agency, Khunying Sudarat highlighted the severe impact of PM 2.5 dust on over 38 million people across 45 provinces. The World Bank has reported that more than 50,000 Thais succumb prematurely to this issue annually, incurring economic damages amounting to several billion baht each month, and adversely affecting tourism and healthcare sectors. Given these circumstances, Khunying Sudarat calls for the government to elevate this issue to a national agenda, with a focus on sustainable and continuous measures rather than short-term fixes.
Khunying Sudarat articulated the serious health implications of the PM 2.5 dust, particularly on vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. She advocates for an accelerated government response to establish a sustainable solution, spotlighting several key actions. These include strict enforcement of pollution laws, promoting clean energy, and enhancing public participation in green initiatives. Additionally, she urges the government to engage in international negotiations to address transboundary pollution effectively.
The proposed measures include reducing emissions from vehicles and construction, controlling agricultural burning, and promoting the use of agricultural tools to diminish burning in cultivation areas. Khunying Sudarat also suggests learning from Singapore's model in managing transboundary pollution and increasing urban green spaces for effective air purification. Moreover, she encourages the government to promote solar energy adoption and the use of electric vehicles, alongside developing comprehensive mass transit systems to decrease reliance on private transportation.
Khunying Sudarat calls on the government to take decisive action for the health of Thai citizens and the long-term economic stability of the country. She warns that neglecting this problem could lead to severe health repercussions for the population, impacting the future of Thailand's people.