The "game of city control" poses a major challenge for the Bangkok governor in addressing the PM 2.5 dust problem. "Chadchart" emphasized past achievements that have been realized and are visible, noting that the dust situation has improved by 45 percent compared to last year. Measures include implementing a Low Emission Zone and nearly quadrupling the enforcement against black smoke emissions from vehicles.
On 8 Jun 2026 GMT+7, Thairath TV Channel 32 and Thairath Online broadcast a special program titled "Game of City Control," challenging prospective Bangkok governor candidates to demonstrate who can effectively solve the capital's problems. The program offered an in-depth exploration of their visions through demanding tasks, including a puzzle intelligence test, a city crisis tier list, and a test of the candidates' resolve, hosted by Pa Toy and Kai Pongsakorn.
The candidates presenting their visions and problem-solving skills for Bangkok residents included Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, Democrat Party candidate; Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, independent candidate; and Mr. Chaiwat Sathawornwijit, People's Party candidate.
After the three prospective Bangkok governor candidates presented their visions, the first segment of the game, the puzzle intelligence test, began. They were shown puzzle pieces to guess the location within Bangkok. The final image depicted "the Parliament building shrouded in smog." The first to answer correctly was Mr. Chaiwat Sathawornwijit, People's Party candidate.
When asked how he would address the PM 2.5 dust problem if elected governor, Mr. Chaiwat Sathawornwijit said that unlike flooding, which reflects inequality, dust pollution affects everyone equally regardless of social status. Each day, 41 people die from lung cancer, and by election day, approximately 820 people might be unable to vote because they died from lung cancer en route. This is a major challenge for Bangkok. The main sources of PM 2.5 are construction sites, agricultural burning, black smoke, and trucks. Within Bangkok's authority, managing construction sites is possible. If elected, he would require construction sites to provide CCTV footage and implement dust prevention measures. Regarding burning, mostly outside Bangkok, he would coordinate with neighboring provinces to offer "no burn" coupons and promote mechanized agriculture as alternatives.
Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, Democrat Party candidate, stated that Bangkok would promptly act on matters within its jurisdiction, such as construction permits, which can be suspended if construction is disorderly and causes problems for nearby residents. Addressing dust requires attention, such as using tarpaulins to cover construction sites to establish standards and urgency. Secondly, Bangkok would coordinate with relevant agencies like the Department of Land Transport to require covered tarpaulins on all transport vehicles entering Bangkok. Other measures include providing timely public access to information via apps with dust alerts without needing to open them, and collaborating with surrounding areas to manage burning and waste, preventing landfill and promoting clean energy waste management.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, independent candidate, said that dust is his top agenda, and he has worked hard on it. He announced that this year’s dust situation improved by 45 percent compared to last year, a result of their work. Dust comes mainly from three sources: stagnant weather conditions, biomass burning, and vehicles. Most construction dust is PM 10, with some PM 2.5.
Regarding vehicles, the first step was tightening black smoke standards, which is under the authority of the Pollution Control Department (PCD). They successfully negotiated for stricter standards, reducing permissible black smoke levels from 30 to 20 percent, enabling nearly fourfold increases in black smoke detection. They also implemented the Low Emission Zone, unprecedented in Thailand’s history, banning black smoke-emitting vehicles from entering Bangkok. Enforcement and fines are in place for violators. On high dust days, black smoke vehicles are prohibited from entering. They also created a green list encouraging over 300,000 drivers to change engine oil, pursuing these efforts intensively.
Regarding biomass burning, Bangkok has about 100,000 rai of farmland. The city purchased straw balers and tractors for farmers to borrow for baling and selling straw. Last year, Bangkok achieved zero field burning. They also negotiated with Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi provinces, where there is a 10,000-rai farm at risk of burning. Bangkok worked with them to reduce burning by 44 percent, helping to avoid severe pollution. They assisted by promoting plowing and fermentation techniques and providing technology, coordinating with provincial governors. Consequently, cooperation networks have formed, including a Work From Home app, dust alert systems, and clean air rooms—concrete achievements that are clearly visible.