Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar on Tuesday kicked off the “Clear Sky Strategy 2024-2030” to address cross-border haze and air pollution affecting Southeast Asia.
The strategy was introduced during a meeting in Bangkok where Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on were joined by their Laotian and Myanmar’s military junta counterparts, Bounkham Vorachit and Khin Maung Yi.
The “Clear Sky Strategy” was developed following the 2022 ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and an online meeting in April 2023 between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar on the region’s haze crisis. The action plan seeks to tackle pollution sources from industry, transportation, agriculture and forest fires.
As cooler weather approaches, the three neighbours anticipate a resurgence in PM2.5 pollution, a major concern in the region. The strategy is expected to provide coordinated measures to manage this seasonal pollution.
PM2.5 refers to dust particles 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, long-term exposure to which is linked with chronic diseases including lung and heart problems.
“ASEAN has been working continuously to address haze pollution through agreements and ministerial-level mechanisms. Additionally, we are engaged in discussions with our negotiating partners, with a focus on using innovation to tackle these issues,” said Maris.
For Thailand, addressing cross-border haze pollution, especially PM2.5, is a top priority. The Prime Minister has emphasised the importance of raising public awareness and involving stakeholders and the government is in the process of drafting a Clean Air Act,” he added.
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