Representatives of the AQIP Program in Southeast Asia Study Visit on Bangkok’s Air Quality Management and Improvement Efforts
On October 10, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Tawida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, welcomed representatives of the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) from Southeast Asia at the Erawan Room, Bangkok City Hall (Sao Ching Cha). The visit aimed to exchange knowledge and learn from Bangkok’s experience in establishing and operating air quality monitoring systems, using data to develop clean air plans, and fostering multi-sector collaboration to sustainably manage urban air quality. On this occasion, Mr. Pornprom Vikitsreth, Advisor to the Governor and Chief Sustainability Officer of the BMA, Dr. Sunthorn Sunthornchart, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the BMA, Mr. Witoon Apisitbuvakul, Director of the Strategy and Evaluation Department, Ms. Woranuch Suaykawkhao, Deputy Director of the Environment Department, along with executives from the International Affairs Office and other relevant officials, also participated in welcoming the delegation.
During the visit, the Deputy Governor of Bangkok highlighted three key aspects of Bangkok’s Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP):
- Air Quality Management Policies: Bangkok provides public access to real-time air quality information via its website and the AirBKK The Bangkok Air Quality Information Center also reports PM2.5 dust levels across the city.
- Bangkok Low Emission Zone (LEZ): During periods of hazardous dust levels, the LEZ policy aims to reduce major pollution sources and mitigate health risks. Additional measures include air quality flags at schools, communities, and district offices, dust-free classrooms, and air pollution clinics at eight Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) hospitals.
- Collaborative Efforts: Bangkok partners with both domestic and international organizations to enhance air quality management. For example, under the KOICA Blue Sky Project in Bangkok, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) provided 12 PM2.5 monitors to Bangkok schools for continuous monitoring. Other international partners include the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the C40 Cities Network, AirParif (the air quality monitoring association in Paris), and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The Deputy Governor also noted that despite these initiatives, the BMA lacks full authority over the city’s air quality management, creating challenges in effectively addressing pollution. However, the BMA has strived to promote cooperation with public and private sectors, neighboring provinces, and international partners to improve pollution control measures.
The Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) is designed to support the ASEAN Member States in their efforts to develop comprehensive public policies for improving air quality at the national and regional levels. It will contribute towards: (1) Greater awareness of air quality issues;
(2) Better knowledge and monitoring of air quality in respective ASEAN Member States territories;
(3) Strengthening of local capacities; and (4) Preparation of guidelines and policy recommendations tailored to ASEAN. In the long run, it is expected to enhance measures that will help cities and urban areas in ASEAN to be environmentally sustainable, while meeting the social and economic needs of the people as aligned with ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities Action Plan.
On October 10, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Tawida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, welcomed representatives of the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) from Southeast Asia at the Erawan Room, Bangkok City Hall (Sao Ching Cha).
Representatives of the AQIP Program in Southeast Asia Study Visit on Bangkok’s Air Quality Management and Improvement Efforts
