Lalida revealed that the government is proactively addressing cross-border PM2.5 pollution by collaborating with neighboring countries to establish War Rooms to monitor haze and hotspots, raising regional cooperation to a higher level.
14 May 2026 GMT+7On 14 May 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the government, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is continuously tackling PM2.5 particulate matter and cross-border pollution. Following the Prime Minister's directive, all agencies are accelerating integrated cooperation both domestically and with neighboring countries to address the issue systematically and sustainably.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister said that, regarding the PM2.5 particulate matter situationin the upper northern region, satellite imagery data shows that some hotspots are caused by burning both within Thailand and in neighboring countries. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) therefore collaborated with the Department of Military Border Affairs, the Department of International Cooperation, and related agencies to implement a project establishing “War Rooms” in neighboring countries to enhance monitoring, analysis, and management of cross-border haze issues closely.In 2024, War Rooms were set up in Bokeo and Sayabouli provinces in Laos and in Tachileik, Myanmar. In 2025, cooperation expanded to Luang Namtha province in Laos, Chiang Tung province, and Naypyidaw in Myanmar. Most recently, from 6–10 May 2026, a War Room was established in Taunggyi province, Myanmar.
This operation involved Thai officials led by Major General Jumpat Nurakhet, Director of Military Border Affairs, along with representatives from the 3rd Army Region, Naresuan Task Force, Pollution Control Department, Department of East Asian Affairs, and related agencies. Myanmar’s side included environmental ministers, the Eastern Army Region commander, Director-General of the Department of Environmental Resources, and other key officials participating closely.
The government has supported transferring essential knowledge and technology for War Room operations, such as source analysis of particulate matter, satellite hotspot data, air mass movement models at various levels, and necessary meteorological information. These tools help in precise monitoring and spatial planning management.
Additionally, Thailand and Myanmar have exchanged experiences and solutions to address particulate pollution, strengthening cooperation for sustainable prevention and reduction of cross-border forest fire haze problems in the long term.
“What the public will gain is more effective monitoring and management of PM2.5 particulate matter, reducing impacts on health, quality of life, and tourism economy in northern regions. This also reflects the government's commitment to seriously resolving cross-border pollution through regional cooperation and science-based decision-making,” Ms. Lalida said.