"Kardee" announced good news that the joint committee has resolved all conflicts concerning the Clean Air Act draft, declaring next week as the final stretch to push it through parliament so that Thai people can truly benefit from it.
On 10 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Mrs. Kardee Liaopiroj, party-list Member of Parliament (MP) from the Democrat Party and member of the joint committee to consider the draft Clean Air Management Act B.E. .... (MPs and Senators), together with Mr. Phonlawat, a Senator, held a press conference to report significant progress following the 8th meeting of the joint committee. Mrs. Kardee shared good news with the public that all the complex, sensitive issues that previously caused disagreement in parliament have now been completely resolved.
Mrs. Kardee expressed her pleasure that this meeting marked a major milestone for the Clean Air Act draft. All difficult issues were discussed thoroughly until consensus was reached. For the remaining points of disagreement, decisive votes were taken on five key issues, resulting in comprehensive conclusions. This progress brings the goal of completing the legislation within this parliamentary term closer to reality.
"I am very pleased and excited. Today truly brings good news because all the difficult topics we had to debate and understand together have been settled. Our determined effort to complete this law within this parliamentary session is now close to becoming a reality," Mrs. Kardee said.
Seven Key Joint Committee Conclusions Set Strict Pollution Controls
At the joint press conference, the committee detailed seven important decisions made to ensure the Clean Air Act draft can be implemented effectively and robustly.
1. Increase business sector representation on provincial boards: The meeting resolved to add Section 40 (6/1), allowing up to two private business representatives on the provincial Clean Air Committee, aligning with the structure of other committees.
2. Set maximum fines for industry at 50 million baht: Amend criminal penalties for industrial pollution sources to 25 million baht for first offenses and up to 50 million baht for repeated violations, with courts having discretion based on circumstances. This aligns with ASEAN country standards.
3. Provincial governors to chair provincial boards: By vote, it was decided that provincial governors will serve as chairs of the provincial Clean Air Committees.
4. Tighten criteria controlling pollution-generating projects: Amend wording in Sections 76 and 77 to grant the provincial Clean Air Committee authority to announce which types and sizes of businesses can operate locally, while allowing other specialized agencies to enforce their specific laws thereafter.
5. Remove temporary protection clause: Section 11, second paragraph, was deleted because temporary protection processes are already comprehensively covered by other laws, including the Administrative Court Act and regulations of the Supreme Administrative Court.
6. Narrow definition of financial institutions and restrict cross-border pollution lending: Amend Sections 207, 211, and 215 to limit definitions to commercial banks and specialized financial institutions. Liability will be imposed on those lending or advising cross-border polluters unless they prove clear risk assessment systems and compliance with government orders.
7. Remove 'deposit and return' system: Sections 175–176 were cut to await inclusion in a comprehensive waste management law that will cover this matter more thoroughly.
Mrs. Kardee also expressed gratitude on behalf of the joint committee to the chairperson, all committee members, experts, and civil society who have driven the process. Even those unable to attend meetings contributed valuable information, documents, and suggestions via email, supporting comprehensive and thorough consideration.
She emphasized that all committee members recognize that the Clean Air Act is something Thai people have awaited for a long time. Therefore, drafting and review must be done with utmost care and comprehensiveness to prevent problems after enactment, ensuring practical enforceability and seamless integration with related laws.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Kardee said next week's work will be the true final phase. The joint committee will arrange, verify, and refine the entire draft law one last time to prepare it for submission to the House of Representatives and Senate for approval.
"We will work diligently. Next week will be the final review of the entire law before it is submitted for approval by the Senate and House of Representatives. We hope and are determined to do our best to complete this law within this parliamentary session so that Thai people can truly benefit from having a Clean Air Act," Mrs. Kardee said.