Bangkok: Bangkok has joined forces with 30 government agencies to implement 11 policies aimed at reducing PM 2.5 dust pollution, including expanding the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to restrict non-compliant trucks from entering all 50 districts of the city. This initiative, chaired by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, is part of ongoing efforts to address the persistent dust problem that plagues Bangkok throughout the year.
According to Thai News Agency, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and its partners are focusing on continuous dust monitoring and have installed sub-measuring stations equipped with 70 devices across all districts. Governor Sittipunt emphasized the importance of accurate data to effectively evaluate and address the dust situation. The goal is to create real indicators by focusing on districts where dust levels exceed the standard, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the measures taken.
Historically, dust levels in Bangkok peak from November to March due to winter weather and biomass burning, as reported by the Bangkok Environment Department. In response, the LEZ policy has been enforced, prohibiting non-compliant trucks from entering the Ratchadaphisek Ring Dust Control Zone during peak dust periods. Between October 2024 and March 2025, over 57,000 vehicles were registered in the green list, with several fines issued to violators.
Governor Sittipunt highlighted that the LEZ's primary aim is not punitive but rather to encourage vehicle owners to make necessary changes to their vehicles to meet emission standards. The initiative will likely expand in the future, targeting broader compliance.
Additionally, the Dust Reduction Car Project has seen significant participation, with over 291,000 cars joining the filter change initiative. Efforts to create dust-free environments in schools are also underway, with hundreds of classrooms and child development centers already completed.
Bangkok's anti-dust measures also include promoting remote work to reduce traffic, providing equipment to farmers to prevent field burning, implementing nuisance control areas, and supporting the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department's efforts. Communication channels have been established to forecast and warn about dust levels, further supported by the Bangkok Air Quality Data Center and various public alerts.
Governor Sittipunt acknowledged the economic dimensions of the dust problem, stating that solutions must address economic incentives for farmers and vehicle owners. He stressed the need for a balanced approach that includes economic support to reduce reliance on cost-effective yet environmentally harmful practices like field burning.