Thailand efforts to tackle PM2.5 | Thailand has ramped up its fight against PM2.5 pollution as the situation intensifies across major cities and northern provinces. Government agencies have rolled out stricter emission controls, increased public health interventions, and promoted alternative practices to reduce agricultural burning. Despite these measures, pollution levels remain high, raising concerns over enforcement gaps, the economic impact of new regulations, and the role of transboundary haze from neighboring countries.
Officials have pointed to Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia as key contributors to Thailand’s worsening air quality, particularly during the dry season when large-scale agricultural burning takes place. The issue has pushed Thailand to strengthen regional cooperation under ASEAN, though the lack of binding agreements has limited progress. With PM2.5 levels frequently exceeding national safety thresholds, businesses and consumers are adjusting to new realities—whether it’s companies shifting to low-emission vehicles, hospitals managing a surge in respiratory cases, or urban commuters relying more on electric trains to avoid road congestion.
While government actions have led to some short-term improvements, the long-term success of these policies will depend on how effectively they are enforced and whether regional neighbors follow through on commitments to reduce cross-border emissions. The next phase of Thailand’s air quality strategy will need to address lingering structural weaknesses while balancing economic concerns with environmental priorities.
Stronger regulations and policy shifts
Authorities have tightened pollution control measures in response to worsening air quality, focusing on emissions from agriculture, industry, and transportation. A nationwide no-burn policy introduced in January 2025 aims to curb open biomass burning, a major source of PM2.5 in rural areas. Enforcement remains a challenge, especially in provinces where farmers depend on burning as a cost-effective land-clearing method. Limited access to alternative waste disposal options has slowed the transition to cleaner practices.
In Bangkok, stricter vehicle emission rules and expanded low-emission zones have been introduced. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has installed AI-equipped cameras to monitor compliance, targeting high-polluting vehicles. Authorities are also considering classifying the capital as a pollution control zone, which would unlock additional funding for air quality initiatives. These steps have led to a reduction in vehicle emissions in central districts, though outer areas of the city have seen slower progress due to enforcement limitations.
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has outlined a roadmap for tackling air pollution between 2025 and 2027, focusing on stricter regulations for emissions from farms, factories, and vehicles. While this plan is expected to improve compliance, pushback from industrial groups has delayed certain measures, with concerns raised over the economic burden of new regulations.
On a regional level, Thailand has called for stronger ASEAN cooperation to address transboundary haze. However, existing agreements lack enforcement mechanisms, limiting their effectiveness. To supplement ASEAN efforts, Thailand has joined Myanmar and Laos in launching the CLEAR Sky Strategy (2024–2030), which includes measures for fire prevention, sustainable agriculture, and real-time monitoring of burning activities.
The role of cross-border haze
PM2.5 pollution in Thailand is not solely a domestic issue. Large-scale biomass burning in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia has contributed to worsening air quality, particularly in northern and eastern provinces. Seasonal wind patterns transport smoke into Thailand, further exacerbating pollution levels.
Myanmar’s role in the haze problem is particularly pronounced. Open biomass burning in Myanmar has been identified as the largest external source of PM2.5 in Thailand’s upper northern region. Shan State, which borders Thailand, experiences widespread agricultural burning between March and April, leading to sharp increases in pollution levels in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Myanmar has partnered with Thailand and Laos under the CLEAR Sky Strategy, promoting alternative farming methods to reduce reliance on burning. However, enforcement remains weak due to limited resources and local economic factors.
Laos also plays a major role, with the highest recorded emissions from biomass burning among Thailand’s neighbors. Meteorological conditions often direct these emissions into Thailand’s eastern and northern provinces. Efforts to address the issue include Laos’ participation in joint fire prevention programs and the implementation of satellite monitoring to track hotspots. However, the persistence of slash-and-burn agriculture continues to hinder progress.
Cambodia has a smaller but still noticeable impact, contributing to PM2.5 levels in eastern Thai provinces, particularly Sa Kaeo. While Cambodia has been involved in regional haze discussions, its participation in mitigation efforts has been limited compared to Myanmar and Laos.
The CLEAR Sky Strategy is Thailand’s main regional initiative for addressing transboundary pollution. The plan includes satellite-based hotspot tracking, fire risk mapping, and investment in alternative farming technologies. However, without a legally binding framework, its effectiveness will depend on voluntary compliance and continued diplomatic engagement.
Economic and business impacts
Tighter air quality regulations have begun reshaping key industries, particularly in transportation, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. Businesses are adjusting to new rules, with some sectors benefiting from increased demand for clean technology while others struggle with compliance costs.
Logistics firms and transportation providers are under pressure to transition to low-emission fleets as restrictions on high-polluting vehicles expand. Many companies are adopting electric and hybrid vehicles to comply with new regulations, though smaller operators face financial hurdles in making the switch. The introduction of low-emission zones in Bangkok has also led to changes in supply chain operations, requiring businesses to adapt their delivery routes and fleet management strategies.
Farmers affected by the no-burn policy are facing economic adjustments, particularly those who lack the resources to invest in mechanized harvesting or alternative waste disposal methods. While government support programs exist, funding has not yet reached a scale sufficient to drive widespread adoption of cleaner practices.
The healthcare sector is seeing rising demand for respiratory treatments as pollution-related illnesses increase. Hospitals have reported a surge in cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions during high-pollution months. The government has responded by distributing N95 masks and deploying emergency medical teams, but long-term measures to address health risks remain a priority.
Tourism has also been affected, with air quality concerns influencing travel decisions. Northern destinations such as Chiang Mai, which rely heavily on international visitors, have seen fluctuations in bookings based on pollution forecasts. In response, hotels and resorts are marketing air filtration systems and enclosed facilities that offer cleaner indoor environments.
Public response to PM2.5
Growing awareness of PM2.5 pollution has led to noticeable changes in public behavior, particularly in commuting patterns and consumer spending.
Free public transport incentives introduced in January 2025 led to a 50% surge in electric train ridership, reducing congestion on key roads. While the initiative was successful in shifting more commuters to public transit, maintaining this trend without continued subsidies remains a challenge.
Digital platforms have also played a role in air pollution management. Apps such as Traffy Fondue have become popular for reporting illegal burning activities and emissions violations, enabling faster government response times. Meanwhile, real-time air quality monitoring apps have seen a rise in usage, allowing residents to adjust their outdoor activities based on pollution levels.
Consumer demand for air purifiers and high-efficiency ventilation systems has increased, influencing purchasing trends in the electronics and real estate sectors. Developers are incorporating air quality measures into new housing projects, with some office spaces marketing enhanced air filtration as a key feature.
Addressing the long-term challenges of PM2.5 in Thailand
Efforts to tackle PM2.5 pollution have introduced a mix of regulatory measures, technological solutions, and regional cooperation strategies. While stricter emissions controls and low-emission zones have led to some improvements in urban areas, enforcement challenges remain, particularly in agricultural regions and industrial sectors.
Transboundary pollution continues to be a major factor, with Myanmar and Laos playing the largest roles in Thailand’s northern air quality issues. The success of the CLEAR Sky Strategy will depend on the willingness of regional partners to follow through on commitments and implement alternative agricultural practices. Without stronger enforcement mechanisms, cross-border haze is likely to remain a persistent challenge.
Economic and business adjustments will also shape the effectiveness of these policies. Industries that rely on high-emission vehicles and traditional farming methods will need more financial support to transition to cleaner alternatives. Meanwhile, the healthcare system will require ongoing investment to manage pollution-related illnesses.
Looking ahead, Thailand’s approach to air quality will need to balance environmental objectives with economic realities. Further incentives for businesses and individuals to adopt low-emission technologies, combined with stronger regional cooperation, will be key to achieving lasting improvements.
