BANGKOK, Jan 29 (TNA) – Thailand’s cabinet has approved new measures giving the Director-General of Disease Control Department authority to declare PM2.5 dust control zones, with violators facing fines of up to 100,000 baht ($2,800).
The measures establish two levels of control zones:
Level 1 applies to areas with PM2.5 levels between 37.5-75 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours. In these zones, authorities must distribute masks to vulnerable groups and set up dust-free rooms in hospitals, schools, and public facilities.
Level 2 kicks in when PM2.5 levels exceed 75 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours. Additional measures include allowing government agencies and state enterprises to implement work-from-home policies and suspending outdoor activities.
In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced plans to increase compensation for public transport operators following a week-long free service initiative aimed at reducing PM2.5 pollution.
The budget will be raised from 140 million baht to 329 million baht.
The compensation package includes 133.84 million baht for BTS Skytrain operator and 51.7 million baht for the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). BEM, which operates other rail lines, will receive funding through the Mass Rapid Transit Authority.
Officials reported that private vehicle usage in Bangkok dropped by approximately 300,000 cars per day during the free public transport period. -819 (TNA)
