17-1-2024 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has issued a directive to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to implement all necessary measures in response to the worsening fine-dust pollution crisis, announced Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee Pattanakul, the Chief of the Air Force, on Tuesday.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported concerning levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5) in Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon provinces. These areas experienced red levels of PM2.5, surpassing the safe threshold of 37.5 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³). Notably, Samut Songkhram recorded a dust level of 90.3 µg/m³, while Samut Sakhon measured 75.8 µg/m³.
Across the nation, 18 provinces reported moderately dangerous levels of fine particles, with Ratchaburi marked as an “orange” zone, registering a dust level of 67.6 µg/m³.
In the capital, Bangkok, Nong Khaem district recorded the highest PM2.5 level at 58.6 µg/m³, followed by Don Muang district (56.2 µg/m³), Lak Si district (52.1), Thawi Watthana district (49.4), and Bang Bon district (48.7).
To address the government’s pollution concerns, Air Chief Marshal Phanpakdee stated that the RTAF is leveraging all available tools, including water-dropping aircraft, to combat the haze. Collaboration with agencies and the Second Army Region is ongoing to prevent and mitigate forest fires, a significant contributor to the pollution problem.
In the current fiscal year, the RTAF plans to deploy a Basler BT-67, an aging utility aircraft, for fire prevention and water-drop operations. Despite its long service life, the RTAF emphasizes prioritizing pilot safety during operations.
As part of the response strategy, the RTAF intends to procure four additional water containers for water-dropping aircraft. Additionally, the air force plans to operate a weather radar system to enhance efficiency in predicting and locating forest fires, particularly in mountainous areas.
Simultaneously, the RTAF is preparing special operations to address potential impacts from this year’s El Niño weather phenomenon on the general population.
In another region, Todsaphol Phuan-U-Dom, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, oversees firebreak construction projects in fire-prone areas within Op Luang National Park, where dry vegetation accumulation poses a significant risk.
