Thailand revives bill to clear the air of toxic smog
Key takeaways
- Seasonal smog is a major public health problem in Thailand.
- Last week, lawmakers voted 611 to 3 to advance the Clean Air Act, which now goes to the Senate, parliament's upper chamber, for scrutiny before it can be submitted to the prime minister and the king for endorsement.
- The Clean Air Bill started life as citizen-initiated legislation, first proposed by a coalition of NGOs in 2019 before being taken up by political parties and previous governments.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Seasonal smog is a major public health problem in Thailand. Long-delayed legislation aims to stop air pollution before it starts, but enforcement could present a problem.
https://p.dw.com/p/5E5Ts In the spring burning season, northern Thailand is often covered in thick smog Image: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP/Getty Images Advertisement Thailand's parliament has revivedlong-delayed legislation to recognize clean air as a protected public right, a major step in a country where seasonal smog has become an annual health emergency.
Last week, lawmakers voted 611 to 3 to advance the Clean Air Act, which now goes to the Senate, parliament's upper chamber, for scrutiny before it can be submitted to the prime minister and the king for endorsement.