BANGKOK, Feb 6 (TNA) – The cabinet acknowledged immediate, medium-term and long-term measures to curb fine dust in Bangkok and other provinces and authorized provincial administrations to tackle the air pollution in their respective areas.
Assistant government spokesman Athisit Chaiyanuwat said immediate measures included anti-smog campaigns with people and rehabilitation after dust alleviation expected in May.
Medium-term measures set for implementation from this year to 2021 emphasize reduction in the emissions and sources of air pollution. They include the requirement of Euro 5-standard oil or ultra-low-sulfur diesel within 2021.
Long-term measures to be implemented in 2022-2027 include the imposition of the Euro 6 emission standard on automobiles in 2023, the integration of all modes of public transport, the imposition of American and European emission standards on factories, the definition of field burning as a criminal offence and the promotion of electric vehicles.
Col Athisit also said provincial authorities were ordered to set up their centers to reduce fine dust or particulate matter with 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5). The centers have their own power to tackle fine dust until the hazardous air pollution ends. (TNA)
