Thailand backs 'polluter pays' clean air bill in major environmental push

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Bangkok: Thai MPs unanimously approved a long-delayed clean air bill intended to address the nation's growing pollution crisis and enhance precautions against dangerous smog on Friday.

The law was adopted by the lower house by a vote of 611 to 3, with one abstention. The Senate will now review the bill before it can be approved by the royal family.

In addition to establishing a 'polluter pays' system that targets industries, transport providers, and agricultural organisations connected to hazardous emissions, the proposed law would declare clean air as a public right. If found accountable for excessive pollution, companies and people may be subject to taxes, fines, and  compensation liabilities.

Thailand has long struggled with deadly levels of PM2.5 pollution, especially during the dry season when cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai get caught by thick smog due to agricultural burning, industrial emissions, and traffic fumes.

Increased air quality monitoring systems, stricter inspections in pollution hotspots, and enhanced public health protections are all included in the law.

Environmental organisations applauded the vote, saying that if the law is fully implemented, it might rank among Thailand's most important green initiatives.