Over 10 million Thais suffered illnesses linked to toxic air in 2023

In 2023, more than 10 million Thai citizens found themselves seeking medical treatment for illnesses directly connected to toxic air pollution, according to revelations by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). This disclosure comes amidst a deepening crisis of toxic air pollution across Thailand, predominantly stemming from widespread farm burning and forest fires, particularly prevalent in the country’s northern regions. This hazardous phenomenon annually envelops the nation in a noxious smog, and unfortunately, the onset of 2024 has shown no signs of respite, witnessing a significant surge in toxic air-related diseases compared to the preceding year.

As per reports from AFP, the number of individuals seeking treatment for illnesses linked to air pollution surged from 1.3 million in the first nine weeks of 2023 to a staggering 1.6 million at the beginning of 2024. This alarming escalation comes into stark perspective when considering Thailand’s approximate population of 72 million.

The adverse effects of this crisis are manifold, affecting individuals across a spectrum of chronic conditions, including lung cancer, bronchitis, asthma, and heart diseases. The NESDC has sounded the alarm, emphasizing the urgent need for prioritizing measures to address the impact of PM2.5, a key pollutant, on public health.

PM2.5, referring to hazardous particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, poses significant health risks as it penetrates the bloodstream through the lungs. Exposure to these micro-pollutants can lead to eye and skin irritation, along with respiratory distress such as coughing and chest tightness, exacerbating pre-existing heart or lung conditions.

Cities in northern Thailand, notably Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Lampang, have garnered infamy for their air quality issues, with air quality monitoring platforms like IQAir rating them as “unhealthy.” The dry season, typically spanning from November to March, exacerbates the situation due to seasonal burning practices by farmers clearing sugarcane and rice fields.

In response to this pressing crisis, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to enhance air quality, with legislative support demonstrated by the endorsement of a bill aimed at combating pollution. Recent initiatives include plans to deploy 30 aircraft nationwide for cloud seeding to induce rain and alleviate pollution.

As pollution levels escalated in February, Bangkok authorities urged employees to work from home for two days to mitigate health risks. Over the years, citizens and environmental groups have resorted to legal action, demanding government intervention against pollution. A significant case saw approximately 1,700 individuals in Chiang Mai filing a lawsuit against former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and two state agencies for negligence in pollution control, alleging a substantial impact on life expectancy. Notably, in January of this year, a Chiang Mai court mandated the government to devise an emergency plan to improve air quality within 90 days.

In conclusion, Thailand’s toxic air crisis poses a grave threat to public health and demands immediate and concerted action from both government authorities and civil society. Urgent measures are needed to address the root causes of pollution, mitigate its harmful effects, and ensure the well-being of millions of citizens affected by this pervasive environmental hazard.