Bangkok: The Prime Minister has taken decisive steps to address the persistent smog problem by transforming the existing 'SPC' center into the 'DDPM' center in an effort to implement rapid solutions. The adjustment is part of a strategy to replicate the successful approach used in resolving last year's flood issues. In a further move, the Interior Minister has appointed "Big Auan", "Prasert", and "Jirayu" as special advisors, emphasizing the need for immediate and urgent action with daily progress reports. This Wednesday, a large committee will convene to discuss additional strategies to alleviate the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that following Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra's return from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, she has been closely monitoring the efforts to tackle the PM2.5 dust and smoke issue. The Prime Minister has underlined the importance of addressing the problem as both a national and ASEAN agenda.
The Ministry of Interior has been tasked with adopting the successful model used by the Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief Operation Center (FSOC) for the current dust and smoke crisis. The Prime Minister has assigned Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior, as the head of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM) to lead these efforts. Recently, Mr. Anutin expanded the existing DDPM committee by appointing new advisors to strengthen the management of the dust and smoke issue.
The newly formed advisory committee includes prominent figures such as Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, and Mr. Chirayu Huangsap, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson. This team will provide guidance and suggestions to minimize disaster risks and effectively manage emerging situations.
Mr. Jirayu emphasized that the 'DDPM', situated within the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, will function as a daily operational command center. The focus will be on the urgent dust and smoke agenda, with daily meetings involving key government figures. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul will lead a meeting on Wednesday, January 29, to review the week's progress, identify challenges, and refine strategies for more effective action.
The initiative includes comprehensive management of fires in forest and agricultural areas, urban dust control, and an elevation of PM2.5 resolution efforts. The 'DDPM' will coordinate with various government agencies, such as the Pollution Control Department and the Meteorological Department, to address the challenges of forest fires, smog, and fine dust.
Government agencies, including the Department of National Parks and the Royal Forest Department, will address forest fire management, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Industry will focus on agricultural fire management. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and related agencies will tackle urban problems in Bangkok and its surroundings.
The Prime Minister has ordered enhanced operations in provinces with high smog levels, such as Lopburi, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Local government agencies will participate in meetings to report on actions taken and propose solutions to the committee, according to Mr. Jirayu.