Calls are mounting for the government to back the Clean Air Bill as persistent PM2.5 pollution continues to threaten communities across northern Thailand and beyond.
The chairman of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has urged the new administration to fast-track six key reform bills within 60 days of parliament convening, while the People's Party pressed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to clarify the government's position on the Clean Air Bill amid worsening air quality.
Somkiat Tangkitvanich, TDRI president, said the proposed legislation had been outlined before the election and remained vital to addressing Thailand's structural challenges.
Writing on social media yesterday, he expressed concern that some coalition lawmakers opposed the bill. Mr Somkiat described it as a necessary measure despite acknowledged shortcomings.
He said the law would provide stronger legal tools to tackle air pollution and had broad public support, urging MPs to study the proposal carefully and the government to endorse it.
Mr Somkiat added that it was one of several urgent measures that should be reaffirmed within 60 days of the first parliamentary session.
The six key reform bills comprise the Clean Air Bill; an Anti-Money Laundering Bill introducing beneficial-ownership checks and oversight of crypto transactions; a Licensing Facilitation Bill featuring a "Super Licence" to replace multiple permits; a Climate Change Bill to strengthen emissions reduction and adaptation; a Public Administration Modernisation Bill enabling integrated disaster management and regulatory sandboxes; and a Digital Platform Economy Bill targeting unsafe goods, online scams and monopolistic practices.
Meanwhile, People's Party MP for Chiang Mai, Phattarapong Leelaphat, called on the government to clearly state its stance following an urgent parliamentary debate on the PM2.5 crisis earlier this week. He rejected claims that declaring disaster zones would hurt tourism, arguing the sector was already affected.
Mr Phattharaphong warned that delays could push the bill beyond the 60-day window and said inaction might expose officials to legal action under Section 157 for dereliction of duty.
The Pollution Control Department yesterday reported hazardous PM2.5 levels in more than 40 provinces, with the highest reading of 352.2 micrograms per cubic metre recorded in Pai district, Mae Hong Son.
Six rainmaking aircraft were deployed over Chiang Mai yesterday morning to reduce dust, with further cloud-seeding planned.
