Thailand Strengthens Measures to Combat PM2.5 Pollution in Transportation and Construction Sectors, Promotes Clean Energy Use
“Mr.Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, stated that the current PM2.5 pollution levels in Thailand have been rising, significantly impacting public health, especially in Bangkok and its metropolitan areas. In response, he has emphasized that all relevant agencies must implement measures outlined in the PM2.5 Pollution Action Plan for the transportation sector in these areas. Additionally, he called for integrated collaboration among related agencies to effectively and promptly address PM2.5 pollution in the transportation sector with tangible results.”
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For urgent measures, all relevant agencies have been instructed to inspect and maintain vehicles to ensure they are in good condition and consistently meet emission standards. Additionally, there is a push to transition to cleaner fuels, such as biodiesel B10 and B20, and promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Efforts are also being made to alleviate traffic congestion at toll booths on expressways and motorways nationwide by implementing the M-Flow system and increasing the number of traffic officers and police to facilitate smoother traffic flow at these points.
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Mr. Suriya further stated that he has instructed the Department of Highways, the Department of Rural Roads, the Expressway Authority of Thailand, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, and other agencies involved in transportation infrastructure construction to strictly enforce measures for contractors. These include spraying water to control dust, cleaning vehicle wheels before entering and exiting construction sites, sweeping dirt from roads affected by construction, covering construction materials during storage and transportation, and properly managing waste with a strict ban on open burning. All actions must comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. Additionally, vehicles and equipment used in construction sites must be regularly inspected to meet required standards. Any non-compliant equipment will be prohibited from use until it is properly upgraded to meet regulations.
Additionally, the Department of Land Transport has been instructed to conduct inspections of black smoke emissions from trucks and public buses in Bangkok and its metropolitan areas. Checkpoints will also be set up on major and minor roads nationwide. If a vehicle is found to emit black smoke exceeding 30%, it will be in violation of Section 71 for operating an unfit vehicle. Offenders will face a fine of 5,000 baht, and the vehicle will be marked and prohibited from use until it meets the required standards.
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Mr. Suriya further stated that PM 2.5 pollution is caused by multiple factors, with weather conditions being a significant contributor to its severity. In Bangkok and its metropolitan areas, the issue tends to worsen during the winter season (from around November or December to March each year). This period is characterized by high atmospheric pressure and lower temperatures, leading to stagnant air that prevents pollutants from dispersing. As a result, the concentration of particulate matter, fog, and smoke in the atmosphere increases beyond normal levels, causing accumulation.
The Ministry of Transport has expedited efforts to promote and encourage the public to shift from personal vehicles to public transportation. This includes expanding the core public transport network to comprehensively cover Bangkok and its metropolitan areas, as well as driving the development of feeder routes to improve connectivity. These measures aim to enhance accessibility, ensuring seamless travel for commuters.
Additionally, the ministry is actively raising awareness and educating the public on sustainable practices, such as transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), which produce zero emissions, and regularly maintaining their vehicles for optimal performance. These initiatives serve as effective strategies to mitigate PM 2.5 pollution from the transportation sector.
Source: https://www.ryt9.com/s/iq01/3574760