BANGKOK, THAILAND – Bangkok’s city administration announced a ten-point plan to curb worsening air pollution by 2026, expanding low-emission rules and tightening controls on key polluters.
Citywide low-emission zone and vehicle controls
The most far-reaching measure was the expansion of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to all 50 districts of the capital, whereas such zones had previously covered only limited areas. At the same time, the Green List Plus project was launched, targeting 500,000 vehicles that would have to regularly prove engine oil and air filter changes.
“We must improve the air quality in our city.”
said Tavida Kamolvej, deputy governor, after a crisis meeting.
Stricter diesel limits and focus on construction
A tougher limit for soot emissions from diesel vehicles had already been in force since 1 November, with the threshold reduced from 30% to 20%. Particular attention was placed on construction pits and trucks with six or more wheels, which would be required to register for the Green List.
“We will tighten pollution controls, especially at construction sites,”
said Tavida, adding that authorities intended to enforce the rules more strictly.
Clean classrooms and more homeworking
The successful dust-free classroom initiative was set to be significantly expanded after reaching 971 classrooms and 115 kindergartens last year. By 2026, 1,966 classrooms and 262 kindergartens were to be equipped with air filters, which would fully meet the programme’s target. Remote work was also to be promoted, with the number of employees working from home expected to rise from 200,000 this year to 300,000 workers in 2026.
Inspections for factories and monitoring of biomass burning
The measures included regular inspections of 256 factories operating steam boilers, alongside intensified data collection on biomass burning in agriculture. The administration planned to involve the public more closely by extending air-quality forecasts from three to seven days.
“We will distribute warnings via cell broadcast and through social media,”
announced the deputy governor.
Persistent smog highlights urgency
The tense current situation underlined the need for the package of measures, as the Gistda app Check Foon reported moderate to heavily polluted air in many provinces on Wednesday morning. In Bangkok, Nong Chok was the only district with moderate air quality, while all other areas exceeded official limits. The fight against smog remained one of the greatest challenges for the sprawling metropolis in the coming years.