Thailand might need to do something severe and block the arrival of maize from nearby nations in the coming year, if they don't control the burning of agricultural waste and forests causing air pollution that crosses borders. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin mentioned this during his visit to observe the haze issue today.
He previously cautioned that Thailand might implement taxes on maize from neighboring countries if they fail to control the creation of airborne pollution, but this alert has been disregarded, leading him to consider stronger measures, such as an outright ban on maize imports.
Referring to research on the reasons for PM2.5, Srettha stated that the problem in Thailand is mainly caused by smoke crossing borders, followed by domestic forest fires and burning of agricultural waste.
The prime minister noted that PM2.5 poses an economic problem that should be dealt with through new innovations. He added that Thailand cannot compel its neighbors to stop the burning of farm waste, but it can exert pressure on them to control their farmers.
However, he stated that without decisive action, it will be impossible to alleviate or stop the transboundary smoke issue.
Regarding Thailand, he stated the government does not tolerate forest fires, and a reward of 10,000 baht is offered to anyone who catches a fire starter.
The prime minister also mentioned that, despite the number of forest fires this year being about one-third of last year's, he remains unsatisfied.
