Bangkok Governor Welcomes ADB Country Director to Discuss PM2.5 Mitigation and Sustainable Urban Development
On Thursday, 5 February 2026, from 1.00–2.00 p.m., Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, accompanied with Mr. Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Adviser to Governor of Bangkok (Chief Sustainability Officer), Mr. Thosapol Suparee, Deputy Director-General of Environment Department, and representative of International Affairs Office, welcomed Mr. Aaron Batten, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Thailand, on the occasion of a courtesy call and policy discussion at the Amarin Room, Bangkok City Hall (Sao Ching Cha).
The meeting aimed to introduce the newly appointed ADB Country Director and to review the progress of cooperation between ADB and the BMA. Key areas of discussion included the management of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the development of Low-Emission Zones (LEZ) through the Greening Bangkok Port initiative, and urban water management, as well as an exchange of views on policies related to sustainable urban development.
One of the key collaborative initiatives highlighted was a pilot project addressing PM2.5 pollution caused by the open burning of agricultural residues in upstream areas, particularly Nakhon Nayok Province, a major source affecting Bangkok’s air quality. The project aims to test a “Zero-Burn” approach through the application of microbial agents to accelerate the decomposition of rice stubble and straw using drone spraying. It also includes an assessment of straw baling systems and logistics management to generate evidence-based data on costs, effectiveness, and farmer acceptance, with a view toward scaling up and formulating long-term Zero-Burn policies.
In addition, the meeting discussed the “Greening Options for Bangkok Khlong Toei Port and Surrounding Road Network” project under ADB’s technical assistance program (TA 10468-REG: Advancing Low Emission Zones in Southeast Asia). The study focuses on assessing the potential for establishing a Low-Emission Zone (LEZ) in the Bangkok Port (Khlong Toei Port) area and its surroundings to reduce air pollution from traffic—particularly freight trucks—and maritime transport, while also lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.
ADB, the BMA, and the Bangkok Port Authority are expected to hold further consultations in March 2026 to advance the implementation of these initiatives in a concrete manner, contributing to improved air quality, public health, and the long-term sustainable development of Bangkok.
On Thursday, 5 February 2026, from 1.00–2.00 p.m., Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, accompanied with Mr. Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Adviser to Governor of Bangkok (Chief Sustainability Officer), Mr. Thosapol Suparee, Deputy Director-General of Environment Department, and representative of International Affairs Office, welcomed Mr. Aaron Batten, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Thailand, on the occasion of a courtesy call and policy discussion at the Amarin Room, Bangkok City Hall (Sao Ching Cha).
Bangkok Governor Welcomes ADB Country Director to Discuss PM2.5 Mitigation and Sustainable Urban Development
