Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn Takes Regional Lead on Transborder Smog Crisis

In a bold move to address the escalating air pollution crisis in South East Asia, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has tasked the Foreign Ministry with coordinating a regional response among ASEAN member states to tackle transborder smog and PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) pollution. Speaking during the inaugural broadcast of her television programme, Thailand’s Chance with PM Paetongtarn, on NBT 2HD last Sunday, she underscored that air pollution transcends national borders, necessitating collective action.

“I’ve assigned the Foreign Ministry to coordinate with all ASEAN members to discuss measures to tackle transborder dust,” Paetongtarn declared, framing the issue as a shared regional challenge rather than a domestic concern. While she did not specify a timeline for these discussions, she expressed confidence that strong diplomatic ties among ASEAN leaders would facilitate swift and smooth negotiations.

A Regional Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Air pollution, particularly PM2.5, has long plagued South East Asia, with seasonal haze from agricultural burning, industrial emissions, and urban congestion creating a toxic mix that endangers public health. In Thailand, cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai frequently rank among the world’s most polluted during peak seasons, with PM2.5 levels often exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) safety thresholds by significant margins. The fine particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, are linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths.

Paetongtarn’s initiative comes at a critical juncture. Before attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from 20 to 24 January, she received briefings from Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency warning of a worsening PM2.5 situation in the coming months. Acting on this intelligence, she instructed relevant agencies to prepare immediate mitigation measures. Her government, she noted, has prioritised addressing air pollution since she assumed office, reflecting a commitment to both domestic and regional solutions.

The transborder nature of the problem is particularly acute due to practices such as agricultural burning, which contributes significantly to the haze affecting multiple countries. In Thailand, the Industry Ministry has introduced measures to curb sugarcane farmers from burning their fields to ease harvesting, a common practice that releases vast amounts of pollutants. Similarly, the Agriculture Ministry has implemented policies to reduce the burning of harvest by-products by farmers, aiming to cut emissions at the source.

Domestic Measures Show Promise, But Regional Cooperation Is Key

On the domestic front, Paetongtarn highlighted innovative steps to alleviate pollution in urban centres. A notable initiative by the Transport Ministry offers seven days of free bus and train rides in Bangkok, a policy that has reportedly reduced pollution hotspots in the capital by encouraging public transport use over private vehicles. While these measures signal progress, experts argue that unilateral actions can only achieve so much when the sources of pollution—such as forest fires in Indonesia or agricultural burning in neighbouring countries—cross national boundaries.

Dr. Somsak Chaiyaporn, an environmental scientist at Chulalongkorn University, welcomed the Prime Minister’s regional approach. “Thailand cannot solve this alone. The haze from burning in one country drifts into another, ignoring borders. A coordinated ASEAN strategy, with shared monitoring systems and enforceable agreements, is the only way forward,” he told this correspondent. If successful, Paetongtarn’s push for dialogue could pave the way for a long-overdue regional framework to address the annual smog crisis.

However, challenges remain. ASEAN, a bloc of ten nations with diverse economic priorities and political systems, has historically struggled to enforce collective environmental policies. The 2002 ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, signed by all member states, has been criticised for lacking teeth, with compliance often voluntary and enforcement mechanisms weak. Whether Paetongtarn’s diplomatic outreach can overcome these hurdles remains to be seen, though her optimism about leveraging personal ties with regional leaders offers a glimmer of hope.

Health and Economic Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

The urgency of addressing transborder smog extends beyond environmental concerns to profound health and economic impacts. According to a 2023 report by the World Bank, air pollution costs South East Asian economies billions annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. In Thailand alone, studies estimate that PM2.5 exposure contributes to tens of thousands of premature deaths each year, placing immense strain on public health systems.

For rural communities near agricultural burning zones and urban dwellers in smog-choked cities, the crisis is a daily reality. Bangkok resident Nittaya Sombat, a street vendor in the city’s Sukhumvit district, described the toll on her family. “Every year, the air gets worse. My children cough all the time, and I can’t afford masks for everyone. If the government can work with other countries to stop this, it would change our lives,” she said.

Economically, the smog disrupts tourism, a vital sector for Thailand and its neighbours. Iconic destinations like Chiang Mai and Bali suffer from reduced visitor numbers during peak pollution periods, as travellers avoid the health risks of toxic air. If Paetongtarn’s regional initiative gains traction, it could bolster not only public health but also economic resilience across ASEAN.

Speculative Outcomes and Cautious Optimism

If Paetongtarn’s call for ASEAN cooperation leads to concrete measures—such as joint air quality monitoring, stricter regulations on agricultural burning, or shared funding for clean energy alternatives—it could mark a turning point in the region’s battle against smog. Some analysts speculate that a successful agreement might even inspire broader environmental collaboration within ASEAN, potentially addressing issues like deforestation and climate change. However, these outcomes remain hypothetical, as no specific proposals or timelines have been confirmed, and past regional efforts have often stalled due to competing national interests.

There is also the question of enforcement. If discussions yield a new framework, would member states adhere to it? Critics point to Indonesia’s recurring forest fires, a major contributor to regional haze, as evidence of the difficulty in aligning economic practices with environmental goals. While Paetongtarn’s proactive stance is commendable, the road to a cleaner South East Asia is fraught with diplomatic and practical obstacles.

A Leader Stepping Up Amid Crisis

Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leadership on this issue positions Thailand as a potential catalyst for change within ASEAN. Her emphasis on diplomacy reflects an understanding that unilateral measures, while necessary, are insufficient for a problem of this scale. By prioritising dialogue with neighbouring countries, she is attempting to build a coalition of shared responsibility—an approach that, if successful, could set a precedent for addressing other transboundary challenges in the region.

For now, the people of Thailand and beyond wait to see if words will translate into action. As smog continues to choke cities and harm livelihoods, the stakes for Paetongtarn’s initiative could not be higher. Her government’s domestic efforts, from free public transport to curbs on agricultural burning, demonstrate intent, but the real test lies in forging a united front with ASEAN partners. Only time will tell if this regional push can clear the air—both literally and figuratively—for millions across South East Asia.