Chiang mai: The "Chiang Dao Model" has been shelved amidst a 40-day crisis in Chiang Mai, with academics warning that the situation may not be resolved in time this year, potentially impacting the economy and exacerbating the El Ni±o phenomenon.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Sonthi Kochawat, an expert in environmental and health matters, discussed the ongoing PM2.5 dust and wildfire concerns in northern Thailand on the "Share the News" program on MCOT News FM 100.5. This follows the Prime Minister's recent visit to Chiang Mai and ongoing Cabinet discussions, especially regarding the health risks faced by wildfire fighters amid rising pollution levels.
The data indicates a worsening situation compared to the previous year. Last year, about 5.8 million rai of forest burned across 17 northern provinces, while this year, the figure has already reached 13 million rai. Chiang Mai has endured over 40 days of air pollution exceeding acceptable standards, negatively affecting tourism during the Songkran festival and causing a decline in foreign tourist arrivals.
Dr. Sonthi highlighted that the once-effective "Chiang Dao Model" has been abandoned. This model transformed "forest burners" into "forest caretakers" by offering incentives such as monetary rewards for burn-free villages and encouraging community participation through patrolling, planning, and technology use like drones. Budget delays and a top-down command structure have hindered community involvement this year.
The forest closure measure from February 1st to May 31st, which prohibits villagers from entering the forest, has worsened economic hardship and diminished incentives for forest protection. Dr. Sonthi criticized this approach as a "failure" to engage the public effectively. Although the Prime Minister has directed provincial governors to centralize problem-solving efforts, academics believe it's too late to prevent further damage. The focus is now on extinguishing fires and awaiting the rains next month, with warnings that the crisis could extend into the rainy season.
Dr. Sonthi also warned that Thailand might face a "super El Ni±o" after May, leading to extreme heat, low rainfall, and temperatures possibly reaching 45 degrees Celsius next year. This situation will exacerbate wildfires, air pollution, and agricultural challenges, with over 80% of non-irrigated areas at risk of water shortages. The industrial sector could see GDP growth fall below 2%, the lowest in five years, due to rising production costs. Summer storms with strong winds but minimal rain offer little relief from drought conditions.
The Clean Air Act, pending government confirmation by May 13th, has been in progress for over three years. Dr. Sonthi emphasized that the challenge lies not in the absence of policy but in the lack of integration and practical implementation.
Additional external factors, such as burning for corn cultivation in neighboring countries and production relocation to Thailand, worsen the wildfire and air pollution issues. Dr. Sonthi proposed government intervention through import control laws, international cooperation, and biomass purchases to address these problems.
He further stressed the importance of tackling air pollution during the 8-month dust-free period through community collaboration, rather than waiting for crises to unfold. Failing to act proactively could have severe repercussions on health, the economy, and tourism, with poor air quality driving tourists away.