Hopes for clean air

The so-called “winter” is making its way into the country and into Bangkok. Regardless of what the mercury says, winter also heralds the arrival of PM2.5 — the fine dust that blankets the sky.

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This year brings some hope that air quality may improve.

On the policy front, Thailand will ban imported maize from sources that burn fields during harvest — a practice that worsens air pollution.

Starting Jan 1, importers must obtain a registered permit to prove that their maize — raw material for feedstock — comes from sustainable sources where crop remnants are not set ablaze.

This policy is expected to help curb cross-border PM2.5 pollution and set a new standard for environmentally responsible trade.

The feedstock industry has long relied on supply from neighbouring countries such as Laos and Myanmar, a demand that has fuelled unrestrained open burning during harvesting season.

Meanwhile, Thais are waiting for the Upper House to pass the Clean Air Bill. If approved by the Senate, the legislation may become effective by the end of this year, just as the annual burning season begins in December.