Bangkok launches offensive against dangerous smog: 10 effective measures!

Bangkok launches offensive against dangerous smog: 10 effective measures!

From November 5, 2025, Bangkok will be the focus of measures to improve air quality. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has scheduled a meeting with provincial governors to clarify state budget allocations and promote the quality of life of the population. Instead of focusing on infrastructure development, the focus is on citizens' health, as Nation Thailand reports.

The upcoming fight against air pollution is supported by the declared environmental protection zone, which exists from November to March. During this time, strict measures are in place to combat particulate matter. The main causes of poor air quality in the city include diesel vehicles, biomass burning and unfavorable weather conditions.

Measures against smog

As part of the “Green List Plus: Fight Dust, Reduce PM2.5” project, ten concrete measures were developed to reduce dust pollution. The most important measures are the establishment of low-emission zones and comprehensive cooperation with industry. The focus here is on four strict laws, three comprehensive collaborations and three health protection measures, which are to be rigorously implemented by the end of the project period.

• „Dieses Auto reduziert Staub“-Projekt: Fahrzeugbesitzer werden motiviert, ihre Autos regelmäßig warten zu lassen, mit dem Ziel, 500.000 Fahrzeuge in die Initiative einzubeziehen.
• Low Emission Zone (LEZ): Das Verbot für sechsachsige Lkw wird auf alle 50 Stadtbezirke ausgeweitet.
• Schwarzer Rauch Standard: Der Grenzwert für Emissionen wird von 30% auf 20% gesenkt und tritt am 1. November 2025 in Kraft.
• Überwachungssysteme: Die Installation von kontinuierlichen Emissionsüberwachungssystemen (CEMS) wird angegangen, um strengere NOx- und SO2-Standards durchzusetzen.
• Pflanzung von Bäumen: Eine Million Bäume sollen gepflanzt werden, um den Staub in der Stadt zu reduzieren.

These are just some of the crucial points that will be discussed at the Governors' meeting. According to the Bangkok Post, the declared special pollution zone means the city government has stronger legal powers to enforce the new standards. In addition, city authorities have mapped air pollution hotspots and are working closely with provinces to reduce slash-and-burn practices that further pollute air quality.

Context and long-term strategies

Bangkok's efforts to improve air quality also come in the context of international standards. The EU recently adopted new regulations that set stricter targets for various air pollutants. The focus is on securing air quality and ensuring the protection of human health and the environment, as EU Parliament explains.

With the implementation of the above-mentioned measures in Bangkok, which are supported by the government and supported by various players in the industry, it is hoped that not only will an improvement in air quality, but also economic benefits. Reducing PM2.5 concentrations could even bring billions of dollars in value to the city in the long term. A healthy environment not only has a positive effect on the population, but can also stabilize and improve the capital's economic situation.

With the combination of stricter regulations, community initiatives and a clear focus on health, Bangkok is well on its way to meeting the challenges of air pollution and shaping a cleaner future for its citizens.