A multitude of hotspots, nearly reaching 6,000 in number, has been detected across several neighboring countries, stirring concerns over esc...
A multitude of hotspots, nearly reaching 6,000 in number, has been detected across several neighboring countries, stirring concerns over escalating pollution levels. Cambodia emerged as the most affected, with a staggering count of 4,056 hotspots, as reported by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
Satellite imagery from the Suomi NPP satellite unveiled a total of 5,823 hotspots dispersed throughout countries neighboring Thailand. Following Cambodia, Myanmar recorded the second-highest count with 979, trailed by Laos with 622, and Vietnam with 166 hotspots.
Within Thailand itself, 601 hotspots were identified, with a notable concentration of 169 in forested areas. Kanchanaburi province witnessed the highest number, with 110 visible hotspots.
Heightened Pollution Levels Spark Nationwide Concern
The Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation, a division of the Pollution Control Department, sounded alarms as PM2.5 levels surpassed the safety threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) nationwide, excluding certain southern regions. The Check Foon application developed by GISTDA highlighted 30 provinces with orange-coded dust levels by 8 am on Sunday, indicating potential health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
In the capital city of Bangkok, the Air Quality Information Centre reported a PM2.5 level of 41.9 µg/m³, with fluctuations ranging from 31.7 to 59.8 µg/m³ between 5 am and 7 am on Sunday. The situation is anticipated to worsen from February 12 to 18, with projections indicating that at least 17 districts may issue pollution alerts during this period.
Calls for Collaborative Solutions to Combat Pollution
Wijarn Simachaya, president of the Thailand Environment Institute, emphasized the urgency of cross-border pollution mitigation efforts, citing the longstanding issue of PM2.5 pollution, particularly prevalent in the northern regions, adversely affecting public health and tourism. Simachaya advocated for a comprehensive approach, including measures to curb slash-and-burn farming and enhanced cooperation among neighboring nations.
Echoing similar sentiments, Wilavan Noipa, director of the Natural Resources Programme at the Thailand Environment Institute Foundation, stressed the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation in addressing transboundary smog. Noipa underscored the need for concerted efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of pollution on both local communities and ecosystems.
Fire Outbreak Adds to Environmental Concerns
Amidst escalating pollution concerns, reports surfaced of a large-scale fire engulfing forested areas near the Buntad mountain range in Trat, situated on the Cambodian border. The blaze, which originated at least two days prior, ravaged approximately one square kilometer of Thai forestland, blanketing Tambon Chamrak of Muang district in haze.
Authorities, including the Paramilitary Marine Force Company 535, swiftly responded to the fire, which intensified on Sunday. Deputy Governor of Trat, Phira Eiamsunthorn, disclosed that local authorities had engaged with Cambodian agencies to address the cross-border fire, underscoring the imperative of coordinated efforts to combat environmental threats.
Conclusion: Collaborative Action Essential in Mitigating Environmental Challenges
As pollution levels soar and environmental hazards intensify, collaborative action emerges as a vital imperative. With stakeholders from various sectors rallying together, there is hope for effective mitigation strategies to safeguard both public health and ecological integrity.
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