Phattharaphong urges the Prime Minister to clearly state the government's position on the Clean Air Act following news that the Cabinet may delay advancing the bill's consideration, asking whether they will side with corporate interests or protect the people's breath.
On 2 April 2026 at the Parliament Building, Phattharaphong Leelaphat, a Chiang Mai MP from the Prachachon Party, held a press conference calling on the government to declare its stance on the Clean Air Act bill. This came after an urgent motion was submitted yesterday regarding the severe PM2.5 dust problem in the northern region, which is now affecting the entire country.
Phattharaphong stated that he had learned there were talks about not taking up the Clean Air Act bill for further consideration. Yesterday, he requested Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and Cabinet representative, to respond in Parliament, but Suchart did not attend and instead gave interviews avoiding declaring a disaster zone, claiming such a declaration would hurt tourism. Phattharaphong called this reasoning absurd, since tourism is already heavily impacted regardless of any declaration.
Before Parliament was dissolved, the Clean Air Act bill was at the Senate committee stage. When Parliament dissolved, the bill lapsed. The new Cabinet can take it up for consideration within 60 days after the first parliamentary session, which began on 14 March 2026. The deadline for the Clean Air Act bill is 13 May 2026. Phattharaphong therefore urged the government not to delay the bill and to clearly state what it intends to do next with the Clean Air Act bill.
Phattharaphong added that the person who should most clearly declare a position is the Prime Minister, not Supachai Jaisamut, a Bhumjaithai Party MP, who spoke using political tactics that allow him to later claim he spoke only as an MP, not on behalf of the Cabinet. Moreover, what Supachai said was very disappointing, considering he has been an advisor to the Clean Air Act draft committee since 2024 and is also a subcommittee member involved in drafting the current bill under discussion.
While Supachai was on the committee and subcommittee, Phattharaphong did not observe such conflicts, such as on emissions trading, which Supachai claims is unfeasible. Phattharaphong pointed out that the Climate Change Act draft, approved by Cabinet, also includes emissions trading. If Supachai had raised his concerns during meetings, the issue could have been resolved then. He questioned whether anyone is trying to delay the Clean Air Act bill so it misses the 13 May deadline.
Phattharaphong said the people's breath is not a matter to be played with politically. The government must speak openly and directly to the public about what it will do with this bill so that those facing the PM2.5 dust problem can clearly see the direction for solving it honestly and straightforwardly.