The return of PM2.5 dust particles in the atmosphere has triggered concern across the country, especially since the government had given the impression that this year's recurrent smog season had ended.
Over the weekend, the ultra-fine harmful dust particles shrouded large parts of the country, with several provinces registering over 200 microgrammes per cubic metre (μg/m³) of PM2.5 matter -- above the national "safe" threshold of 50μg/m³, which is still much higher than the standard set by the World Health Organization at 25μg/m³.
As of Monday, Sing Buri, Bueng Kan and Nong Khai provinces reported the highest concentration of PM2.5 at 280, 271, and 270μg/m³ respectively. Bangkok, meanwhile, recorded 100-110μg/m³. According to a forecast by Rguard mobile application, which can notify air quality information to the public, the haze will continue all week, which will put a damper on the Songkran mood.
The haze recurrence is a slap in the face for the government, especially the Pollution Control Department (PCD), which had earlier called its battle against the toxic smog "a success".
On March 27, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana gave the impression that this year's smog season was over after atmospheric pressure blew away the pollution -- just like the year before.
Mr Thanakorn cited data from the PCD which claimed the concentration of atmospheric dust between November and March had declined by 61% compared to previous years. Such claims, in fact, are difficult to verify.
The public knows that state agencies have failed in their fight to combat PM2.5 pollution at its root.
Air pollution has gone up in parallel with the increase in high-rise projects, traffic congestion in urban areas, and the burning of agricultural waste in rural areas and neighbouring countries. Instead of attacking the problems head-on, the government has insisted on piecemeal efforts, such as rainmaking and water-spraying.
According to the World Air Quality report released in 2020, Thai cities feature prominently in the top 15 cities in the region with the worst air quality.
While Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha declared combating air pollution a national priority in 2019, his administration's response to pushes by clean air advocates to adopt a more comprehensive law against pollution has been lukewarm.
For instance, the Clean Air Bill proposed by the Clean Air Network, which attracted over 50,000 signatures, is still being scrutinised by Council of State, instead of being fast-tracked.
Two other proposals, backed by the Chamber of Commerce and the Bhumjaithai Party, were trashed by Gen Prayut in favour of a version proposed by a Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) member. He should have at least endorsed the civil society's draft along with the PPRP's.
Gen Prayut has also tolerated superficial efforts by authorities in handling the haze in past years. As a result, state agencies like the PCD are more concerned with issuing figures and warnings, rather than taking tough action.
It's unfortunate, too, that the Office of National Environment Policy and Planning seems to have backpedalled from its tougher building criteria relating to tall building projects in the city, which tend to worsen dust problems, especially during the cooler months.
Such debacles demonstrate the lack of strong commitment and clear direction. As long as Gen Prayut and his government continues to pay lip service to the problem, the nation's recurring haze will not go away anytime soon.
