The meeting last week among the leaders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos to address the issue of haze and air pollution is a welcome development. However, it is unlikely the virtual meeting, which the prime minister hosted at Government House, will lead to any immediate or effective solutions.
The public health crises caused by the fine-dust particles PM 2.5 demand urgent action from governments. Thailand, in particular, bears the brunt of the pollution, with its popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai located in the affected areas.
