THE FIGHT FOR CLEAN AIR

A new bill that seeks to establish frameworks to tackle and punish polluters is set for a second reading in parliament

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After a public hearing wrapped up recently, the Clean Air Bill is heading to a second reading in parliament next month.

If passed into law, it will guarantee people's access to clean air.

In Thailand, the surge in ultra-fine dust dates back over two decades, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency. Many countries in Southeast Asia have borne the brunt of toxic haze. Studies show that PM2.5 can enter the respiratory tract and bloodstream and cause heart and lung disease, stroke and cancers.

In 2019, the government of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha declared air pollution a national agenda. However, critics said measures have not been fruitful.

In 2021, the Thailand Clean Air Network (Thai CAN), a group of volunteers who advocate for the right to a healthy environment, launched the citizen-led Clean Air Bill.

On Jan 17 last year, the cabinet approved seven drafts in principle. One draft came from the government, five from political parties and one from civil society.

"It took a year and seven months to consolidate them into the best single draft," said Tourism vice-minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, chair of the ad-hoc committee on the Clean Air Bill, in a forum at Thai PBS.

Jakkaphon explained that "there is no tool to tackle polluters". The 1992 Environmental Act is not effective in tackling sources of pollution. Despite some pushback, the committee has been steadfast in the battle for people's right to clean air.

"A law is good when it functions and when it is not a paper tiger. People's health is priceless. Second, it is our economy. This will be a weapon, armour and a way to tackle pollution," he said.