Chatchawan, former Khon Kaen MP from the People's Party, urged the government to take proactive measures to tackle PM2.5 dust pollution after many northeastern provinces were engulfed in dust. He revealed that people in the Northeast are currently breathing in heavy dust and called on the Cabinet to confirm the continuation of the Clean Air Bill's consideration in Parliament to address the issue.
On 18 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Chatchawan Apirakmankong, former MP for Khon Kaen's 3rd district from the People's Party, spoke about the PM2.5 dust pollution exceeding safety standards in several northeastern provinces. He said the dust pollution in northern and northeastern regions is not new but a recurring crisis the government has long anticipated during the seasonal period from January to April, caused by forest fires, agricultural waste burning, and this time, cross-border pollution from hotspots in neighboring countries. Only some areas have been declared disaster zones, which is insufficient.Problem AreasThe overall government response under Anutin has been insufficient, slow, and misdirected. It failed to allocate sufficient central budget support to local authorities to prepare for this problem since late last year before the dust season. Moreover, it did not adjust the operational calendars of various ministries to align with the dust season.
As long as the government manages affairs carelessly, people in the North and Northeast will continue to face dust problems annually. Anutin's government is not new; the Prime Minister himself has said Thailand is not a testing ground for novices. Yet the current management appears amateurish, lacking proactive preparation. Many provinces, especially in the Northeast, are areas where the Bhumjaithai Party won elections and earned the public’s trust, but they repay the people by letting them endure dust pollution without effective action.
"People in the Northeast today are not wealthy in money, but they are rich in dust and soot filling their lungs. I hope the government will take this problem seriously. Regarding wealth, we work hard and save ourselves; that seems easier," he said.
Mr. Chatchawan also stated that beyond immediate solutions, the People's Party insists on addressing the problem structurally by enacting clean air legislation based on the “polluter pays” principle. To date, the Cabinet has yet to confirm the Clean Air Bill's return for parliamentary consideration. If by 12 May 2026 GMT+7 the government does not confirm, the awaited law must start over, taking years. He urged the government to fully exercise its authority to protect citizens’ quality of life, rather than defend polluters or ignore the widespread hardships currently affecting nearly the entire country.