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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Bangkok Governor Seeks Expanded Powers to Combat PM2.5 Surge

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has called for increased legal authority to tackle the growing issue of air pollution, as the capital braces for worsening PM2.5 levels in the coming week. Despite recent improvements in air quality, the Bangkok Air Quality Information Center issued a warning on January 29, forecasting a decline in air conditions from January 30 to February 5, 2025. This has prompted Governor Chadchart to push for more comprehensive measures to mitigate pollution.

In an effort to combat the worsening air quality, the Governor revealed that his office has submitted 11 proposals to the government. These include suggestions to designate Bangkok as a “clean air zone” and to access the Environmental Quality Promotion Fund for better pollution control measures. Chadchart highlighted that air pollution control falls outside the city’s jurisdiction, making it difficult to implement effective measures.

Among the limitations in the city’s current authority, Chadchart pointed to the inability to relocate the Khlong Toei Port, which generates approximately 2 million truck trips annually, and the lack of power to regulate the 13 million aging vehicles in Bangkok. He also emphasized that, while the city can inspect four-wheeled vehicles and issue repair notices, it cannot penalize larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, which fall under the Ministry of Land Transport’s jurisdiction. Chadchart called for more cooperation between local authorities and national transportation bodies to enforce stricter vehicle regulations.

In addition to seeking more powers, the Governor has proposed several legal changes to address pollution more effectively. These include the ability to impose environmental taxes, lower vehicle emission opacity limits, and enforce stricter penalties for smoking vehicles. Under current laws, the city can only issue warnings and repair orders but lacks the authority to take immediate action against non-compliant vehicles. Additionally, Chadchart requested the ability to regulate public transportation, including mandating the conversion of buses to electric vehicles, a power currently held by the Ministry of Land Transport.

To alleviate the situation, Bangkok has already implemented some measures, such as the establishment of a Low Emission Zone within the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road and a work-from-home initiative that has seen 100,000 participants this year. The city aims to expand these efforts, doubling participation and enhancing monitoring in schools.

The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center’s forecast for the coming week indicates unfavorable weather conditions that will restrict air circulation and lead to the accumulation of pollutants. PM2.5 levels are expected to either remain stable or increase. Health authorities are advising residents to wear masks outdoors, limit outdoor activities, and report smoking vehicles via the Traffy Fondue app or the 199 hotline.

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