Thailand: 10 million sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses in 2023

In the government’s north, popular farm burning and forest fires frequently produce toxic dust at the start of the season.

As of the launch of 2024, there has already been a rise in cases of pollution-related illnesses.

The number of people seeking care for pollution-related conditions increased to 1.6 million at the start of 2024 from 1.3 million in the first nine months of 2023, according to AFP. Thailand has a population of roughly 72 million.

The cases include those who have chronic illnesses like lung cancer, pneumonia, bronchitis, and heart conditions.

According to the NESDC, Thailand “must prioritize” the influence of PM2.5 on public health.

PM 2.5 refers to the size of the small, hazardous particles that can pass through the lungs and provide body with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.

Contact to these micro-polluents can result in burning and itching in the eyes and skin, as well as neck tension and vomiting.

For those who have already had spirit or lung problems, these symptoms may become more prominent.

According to air quality monitoring sites, some of Thailand’s north cities have been cited as among the world’s most polluted. According to surveillance company IQAir, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Lampang have received “unhealthy” ratings.

Thailand’s dry season, which normally occurs from November to March, is a source of concern for air quality, primarily as a result of farmers clearing their sugarcane and rice fields during the growing season.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a pledge earlier this year to improve air quality. A expenses aimed at addressing the issue was even supported by legislators.

The region announced last week that it would build 30 aircraft to the country to start cloud seeding to reduce pollution and prevent rain.

Authorities in Bangkok urged employees to work from home for two days in February as air pollution levels in the city’s and neighboring provinces rose to toxic levels.

People of Thailand have also filed lawsuits demanding that the government take action against pollutants over the years.

About 1,700 people in Chiang Mai filed a lawsuit next July against former prime minister Prayut Chan- o gan and two position agencies for abusing their powers to control waste in the northeast, which they claim has shortened each of their lives by about five years.

A Chiang Mai judge ordered the government to come up with an emergency plan to improve air quality within 90 days in January of this year.