PUBLISHED: 1 Feb 2025 at 04: 00
In order to combat air pollution from fine particulates ( PM2.5 ), Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt has launched a no-burn campaign in rice fields.
The program, introduced monday in Nong Chok area, targets Bangkok’s 80, 000 ray of rice paddies and 4, 000 farming communities across 10 regions, including Nong Chok, Khlong Sam Wa, and Lat Krabang.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) has taken significant steps to stop rice field burning over the past three years, significantly reducing the number of affected areas. In 2022, 5, 625 ray of wheat fields were burned post-harvest, dropping to 1, 582 ray in 2023 and 625 ray next year.
” BMA aims to have no corn fields burned by 2026. Achieving this requires farmers ‘ co-operation”, Mr Chadchart said. In partnership with the Agriculture and Land Development Departments, the aim is to promote the use of pathogens to degrade grass balers in order to recycle or sell it.
Additionally, the BMA will collaborate with the Environmental Office to use Nasa’s Fire Information for Resource Management System ( Firms ) to remotely monitor fire hotspots. When detected, city offices may be alerted for instant action.
Farmers will be taught how to compost rice straw, grow mushrooms on straw, and find other ways to stop burning dried straw to add value.
Mr Chadchart identified three important PM2.5 resources in Bangkok: customers dust, stagnant air that traps waste, and wheat field using. He cited Nong Chok, where despite small traffic, PM2.5 levels remain close to core Bangkok due to poor air and rice burning.
Bangkok experienced extreme air pollution once tuesday, with PM2.5 levels reaching 37.6–74.9 μg/m³, exceeding the security control of 37.5 μg/m³. The Pollution Control Department projects higher levels of pollutants throughout Greater Bangkok in first February, while Nam Khaem recorded the highest levels.