Nipon Paopongsakorn, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), echoed this sentiment during a recent panel discussion titled “Journey to Clean Air”, co-hosted by the British and Australian chambers of commerce in Bangkok. He highlighted the importance of public participation in finding solutions, given the various causes of air pollution in different parts of Thailand.
Despite concerns, Heinecke remained optimistic about the Thai government’s proactive approach to addressing air pollution. He commended the administration for taking favourable steps to address the air pollution problem.
“Since the new government took over, we have seen a lot of favourable steps taken, such as visa waiver, extension of operating hours for stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, better connectivity and more incentives for airlines to launch more routes. So, the government has been very proactive, and I think that is one of the most positive things,” he said.
Thailand can reasonably expect at least 33 million visitors this year thanks to these supportive measures, he added.
In a prominent development, the Cabinet last week gave preliminary approval to the Clean Air Bill proposed by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. This move has raised hopes for a more comprehensive and long-term solution to Thailand’s scourge of air pollution.