BANGKOK, April 3 (TNA) — The government is joining
forces with the private sector to alleviate smog in the North as the royalty
has raised concern about the severe air pollution, deputy government spokesman
Werachon Sukondhapatipak said.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was aware of His Majesty
King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s concern about thick smoke haze in the North and the
government was integrating efforts from relevant parties in all sectors to
reduce hot spots in the region within seven days, Lt Gen Werachon said.
The efforts would also reach neighboring countries that were
aware of the same problem and had good ties with Thailand, he said.
“The prime minister stressed that the royalty always follows
up difficult situations of citizens and attaches importance to issues
concerning natural resources and forest fires,” he said.
“At the latest development, the army will train soldiers on
fighting forest fires. Besides, other government organizations together with
the private sector are doing whatever they can to improve the situation as soon
as possible,” Lt Gen Werachon said.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission stated the
government should handle smog as a national problem and work out immediate and
long-term solutions.
It also urged the government to seek cooperation from
neighboring countries under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
(AATHP).
Besides, it proposed the government educate people on how to
protect themselves from smog. (TNA)
