Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul is leading a delegation of key ministers to Chiang Mai on Monday to intensify efforts against the persistent PM2.5 air pollution affecting northern Thailand. The group includes officials from the commerce, defence, agriculture, digital economy, natural resources, public health, and interior ministries. Their visit focuses on coordinating government actions to address wildfires, haze, and fine particulate matter.

According to government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, the delegation will engage with regional authorities and disaster response teams to evaluate current measures and implement stricter controls on highland agricultural burning. Additional strategies include enhanced inspection of crop-related imports, expanded wildfire suppression efforts, and strengthened public health protections aimed at mitigating the impact of deteriorating air quality.

The region continues to experience hazardous pollution levels, with PM2.5 concentrations recorded between 62.8 and 218 micrograms per cubic meter over the past 24 hours, significantly exceeding the national safety threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter.

In response to the health risks, authorities have introduced protective measures targeting vulnerable populations. A pilot “dust-free room” designed by Chiang Mai University was installed last Saturday at Viengping Children’s Home in Mae Rim district. This system, costing approximately 3,600 baht, employs positive air pressure, do-it-yourself air purifiers, and Internet of Things sensors to reduce indoor particulate pollution.

Yodchanan Wongvatnad, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, highlighted that the technology provides a cost-effective immediate safeguard for high-risk groups while longer-term mitigation measures are developed. Plans are underway to expand the project to 83 facilities across eight northern provinces in the initial phase, with ambitions for a nationwide rollout.

Long-term government initiatives include deploying real-time wildfire detection systems and enhancing collaboration among ministries and local communities. By integrating data and improving frontline response capabilities, the authorities aim to strengthen early prevention and control measures, with a clear objective to reduce pollution hotspots within the next year.