The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has joined forces with the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) (NIMT) to raise the quality and standard of pollution and environmental measurements to strengthen the potential and confidence in national measurement systems that are equivalent to international standards.
Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director General of PCD, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), revealed that PCD is tasked with evaluating and monitoring environmental quality, and measuring emissions from point sources. In addition, PCD is responsible for using the information to develop plans for managing and controlling pollution and enforcing environmental laws. Operations require (1) scientific instrumentation that meets national and international standards, (2) accurate instruments, and (3) accurate and reliable data collection or sampling methods.
Dr. Pinsak said that NIMT has supported PCD’s operations by establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) since 2014, with the latest MoU (Phase 4) expiring in 2022. Recent implementations have been beneficial to PCD, especially (1) the development of the calibration of measuring instruments and the development of guidelines for environmental quality measurement to lead to the establishment of
a national guideline, and (2) the application of innovations arising from cooperation to improve the quality and standards of pollution and environmental measurements. PCD and NIMT recognize the importance and agree on a three-year joint development in metrology starting today until September 30, 2026. The cooperation covers four types of pollution: (1) emissions at source measurements, (2) water quality measurements,
(3) noise and vibration measurements, and (4) air quality measurements which pay attention to the calibration of PM2.5 with a low cost sensor so that people can monitor PM2.5 and prevent health impacts.
Pol.Lt.Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, NIMT Director, said that NIMT has personnel with knowledge, expertise, and experience in providing analysis, testing, and calibration services that can be traced back to international standard measurement units. In addition, NIMT has a policy of strengthening metrology through various activities for the public and private sectors. These can support the mission of PCD which requires scientific instrumentation to develop standards and processes for measuring pollution and environmental quality to be national standards and internationally accepted. Moreover, these support the development of PCD personnel’s potential, which results in accurate measurement results. The end results are to reduce pollution problems, increase efficiency in environmental management, and lead to a better quality of life for the people.
