Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand has called for an urgent meeting with governors of provinces, including Bangkok, affected by severe PM2.5 air pollution. The crisis, caused primarily by vehicle emissions and outdoor burning of farm waste, has left 23 provinces in the eastern, northeastern, and central regions struggling with unhealthy air quality, according to the Geo-Informatics Space Technology and Development Agency (GISTDA).

In Bangkok, air quality has shown slight improvement, with 38 out of 50 districts categorized as unhealthy for sensitive groups. No district has reached the “unhealthy for all” category today, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. However, the average PM2.5 level in the capital remains at 41µg/m³, exceeding the safe threshold of 37.5µg/m³. The most polluted districts include Nong Chok (51.8µg/m³), Bueng Kum (51.0µg/m³), and Lak Si (50.0µg/m³).

Emergency Measures and Enforcement

Authorities are stepping up efforts to curb pollution. Pasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of the Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, announced stricter monitoring and penalties for agricultural burning, one of the leading causes of PM2.5 levels.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Air Force has deployed two BT-62 aircraft in partnership with the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department. These planes will conduct cloud-seeding operations from January 26 to 30, spraying icy water or dry ice into the atmosphere to disperse pollutants.

Controversial Cloud-Seeding Efforts

The cloud-seeding initiative is a homegrown experimental method aimed at breaking temperature inversions—a weather phenomenon that traps pollutants close to the ground. While program head Chanti Detyothin claims the technique shows promise, critics argue there is limited evidence of its effectiveness.

Each flight costs up to $2,372, and daily operations across multiple airbases can total $14,231. Energy giants like PTT and Bangkok Industrial Gas have donated dry ice for the program, but environmental advocates have criticized these contributions as superficial gestures.

Health and Economic Impact

The ongoing air pollution crisis has already caused more than a million illnesses since late 2023, costing Thailand over $139 million in medical expenses, according to the public health ministry.

Broader Actions and Regional Collaboration

City authorities have introduced temporary relief measures, including a week of free public transportation to reduce private vehicle use, school closures, and remote work arrangements. Long-term solutions, such as low-emission traffic zones and agricultural burning restrictions, are also being pursued.

Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has emphasized the regional nature of the crisis, which affects several Southeast Asian nations. The issue will be addressed at the upcoming ASEAN meeting.

Expert Recommendations

Experts suggest focusing on proven methods to combat pollution, such as stricter traffic regulations and agricultural burning controls, rather than costly experimental methods. Ekbordin Winijkul of the Asian Institute of Technology noted that addressing root causes would be more effective and sustainable than relying on temporary measures.

While Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the city is doing its best, the battle against PM2.5 pollution remains a significant challenge, requiring both immediate action and long-term strategies.