The Democrat Party held a forum on overcoming the toxic dust crisis, where two experts recommended using the 8-3-1 strategy based on two main pillars: science and technology, and socio-economic structure. They highlighted a model that replaces forest burning with the planting of valuable trees.
On 8 May 2026, the Democrat Party hosted the third Bangkok New Sky Forum themed “Overcoming the Toxic Dust Crisis, Reviving the City.” Two experts on dust and clean air—Prof. Dr. Siwach Pongpiajun, Director of the Disaster Prevention Research and Development Center, and Dr. Bandun Setthasirotom, Director of the Dhammarat Institute for Social and Environmental Development—participated. Mr. Sakolthee Phattiyakul, a party list MP and Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party responsible for Bangkok, served as moderator. Dr. Kande Leo-Pairoj, Deputy Party Leader overseeing policy, also attended the discussion.
Prof. Dr. Siwach explained that the invisible silent threat and common misunderstanding about "dust levels" require us to move beyond PM 2.5 to PM 0.1. Currently, dust particles have shrunk to PM 0.1 size, which is very dangerous because they can directly enter the bloodstream, leaving us unaware of the toxins absorbed.
“Low dust readings do not always mean good air quality. News reports linked solely to dust quantities can mislead, because a small amount of dust may contain very high levels of carcinogens, while larger amounts might have fewer toxins. Therefore, relying only on basic AQI (calculated from gases) is insufficient and potentially hazardous.”
Prof. Dr. Siwach further emphasized focusing on carcinogenic substances (PAHs) and heavy metals, as urban dust often carries carcinogens from activities like grilling, waste incineration, and industrial factories, along with dangerous heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead.
He added that deeper health impacts have been confirmed by research showing PM 2.5 damages not only the lungs but also causes diabetes, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Regarding the complexity of pollution sources in Bangkok, Prof. Dr. Siwach noted that although vehicles remain the primary source, there is also "secondary dust"—particles formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere, not directly from exhaust emissions.
Key precursor gases in Bangkok include VOCs (volatile organic compounds from urban areas), BVOCs (from plants), NOx (from traffic), NH3 (ammonia), and SO2 (sulfur dioxide).
On spatial limitations, Prof. Dr. Siwach stressed that dust management is challenging because dust crosses boundaries with the wind. The governor of Bangkok’s jurisdiction may not cover all sources, and pollution levels fluctuate continuously like water levels.
Linking to climate change, Prof. Dr. Siwach pointed out that dust contains components such as OC (Organic Carbon) and EC (Elemental Carbon); high carbon levels contribute to global warming. In contrast, volcanic sulfur dioxide reflects sunlight and cools the earth. The chemical makeup of dust also affects cloud formation.
He proposed a strategic recommendation that Bangkok’s Clean Air Act should be the most updated law globally, including standards for carcinogenic substances. Developed countries prioritize this because clean air is a fundamental right.
Moreover, tree planting must be smart to absorb dust effectively, selecting species that do not emit excessive BVOCs (plant volatile organic compounds). Thailand’s rich biodiversity can be leveraged for this purpose.
Advancing technology (AI and data) is also essential, requiring serious monitoring of heavy metals, satellite sensors, and intermediate data collection methods such as aerial surveys using aircraft to obtain three-dimensional data.
Prof. Dr. Siwach added that both short- and long-term measures are needed, including expanding the monitoring network to cover district levels, controlling diesel vehicles, promoting serious work-from-home policies, and establishing an early warning system.
Dr. Bandun viewed it as time to dissect the cycle of failure and adopt a seasonal approach. Although dust pollution has been a national agenda since 2019, government efforts remain reactive for just 3-4 months during dust season and neglectful during other times, rendering plans ineffective.
Structural limitations also exist due to insufficient budgets often arriving after crises, decentralization to local authorities being superficial, and local governments being frozen in action.
Dr. Bandun pointed to inequality as the root cause, since dust problems stem from "poverty" and unequal access to resources. For example, in Doi Suthep National Park, 54 communities reside there, but the government funds management for only one community.
He continued that laws alone cannot solve the problem; over the past seven years, command-and-control legal approaches have failed to address this complex issue, requiring support from science and technology.
Regarding the 8-3-1 working formula (a new architecture for dust management), Dr. Bandun explained that for eight months, proactive continuous work should focus on root causes, building community economic mechanisms, managing fuel, and removing structural constraints.
Successful examples include Lampang Province shifting from corn cultivation to mango farming, and Singburi Province managing sugarcane fields without burning. Scaling these efforts could reduce problems by up to 30%.
The three-month period represents crisis response, when dust decreases but frontline support is needed. For example, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park has only two staff members with inadequate welfare and equipment, relying on donations from temples.
Meanwhile, the one project refers to a national-level mega project aimed at a comprehensive economic transition.
Dr. Bandun also discussed the Nature Positive Economy strategy, which balances environmental problem-solving with community livelihoods by promoting income-generating tree planting—short-term trees (harvestable in two years) and long-term timber trees (usable for furniture after ten years). This model addresses poverty, reduces dust, and helps the country achieve Net Zero targets simultaneously.
He proposed one big project across four northern provinces and urged accelerated implementation in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son, which have been declared pollution control zones.
In the case study of Chiang Mai, there is high forest burning in protected areas with agricultural land overlapping reserved forests. The immediate three steps needed in forest areas are: 1. Conduct surveys and create clear maps; 2. Allocate land rights to communities; and 3. Revise regulations, separating management approaches between national parks and community forests due to their differing contexts.