Mr. Surin Worakijthamrong, Director General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), revealed that, in preparation for the upcoming PM_2.5 season in Bangkok, Mrs. Chayanan Pakdeejit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, met with Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, to discuss measures to address the PM_2.5 situation for 2026. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Pollution Control Department, the Department of Land Transport, and the Federation of Thai Industries.

Mr. Surin stated that the meeting agreed to strengthen measures to control PM_2.5 emissions from small vehicles through a voluntary campaign, encouraging the public to bring their cars for maintenance under the “Fight the Dust, Reduce PM_2.5” program, which includes the projects “Vehicle Clinic for PM_2.5 Reduction” and “This Car #ReducesDust”. Nine car companies have joined the campaign, offering discounts of up to 50% on vehicle maintenance services. Furthermore, additional incentives will be provided to encourage greater public participation in reducing PM_2.5 emissions. The scope of vehicles required to register under the Green List will be expanded from large vehicles (over 6 wheels) to include small four-wheel vehicles. Incentives for registered vehicles may include parking fee discounts at shopping malls or automatic parking facilities, or complimentary movie tickets. At the same time, law enforcement will be strengthened — any vehicle found emitting black smoke exceeding the standard will be strictly prohibited from use. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) also agreed to lower the black smoke emission standard to no more than 20%, in line with regulations set by PCD and the Department of Land Transport.

Additionally, BMA provided further information on its efforts to address open burning in surrounding provinces, particularly Nakhon Nayok Province, where rice straw burning after harvest remains common. The BMA plans to provide support to farmers to prevent burning practices by promoting rice straw baling and reducing open burning activities, in order to mitigate air pollution impacts on Bangkok, Mr. Surin said.