The Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi Province, Mr. Phakaphat Songwattanayut, on Monday (Jan 13) chaired a meeting with the task force responsible for monitoring forest fires, haze, and PM 2.5 pollution.
The meeting aimed to identify the causes of the current high levels of fine particulate matter and to implement immediate measures to address the issue.
Mr. Phakaphat emphasised the importance of preventing open burning, which is suspected to be a major contributor to the pollution. He also announced the establishment of the Incident Command Centre for the Prevention and Mitigation of Forest Fires, Haze, and PM 2.5 Pollution for 2025. This step follows reports of PM 2.5 levels exceeding the safety threshold, posing a risk to public health.
In forested areas, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is working with relevant organisations to conduct patrols, monitor heat points, and extinguish fires promptly. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has reinforced a strict ban on open burning in agricultural areas. Village chiefs and headmen have deployed volunteers to monitor compliance, with violators facing legal consequences. Farmers have also been warned that burning agricultural land will disqualify them from receiving government assistance.
To address dust from road construction, water trucks have been deployed to spray roads and reduce dust levels. Public awareness campaigns are also underway to encourage community participation in tackling air pollution.
Despite these measures, the meeting highlighted concerns over why Phetchaburi Province continues to rank among the areas with the highest PM 2.5 levels in Thailand. Reports from relevant agencies indicate that only two significant heat points were recorded this year, both of which were quickly brought under control.
Additionally, most industrial activities in the province are reported to be compliant with environmental standards.