The blueprint for measures to rid Southeast Asia of the smog-problem by 2020 will be submitted to ASEAN authorities before the end of 2016. The draught calls for ASEAN member nations to do their own policing and tackle the root causes behind the haze.
Pollution Control Department director Wijarn Simachaya said Thailand is coordinating a plan of action with two groups. One is the Mekong region nations which are Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The other is Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Mr Simachaya explained that each of the nations had set a maximum allowable micrograms per cubic metre of air. Thailand has already stated that it is aiming for 120µg/m³.
The smog is the result of farmers and householders burning stubble and other waste. In the March-May dry-season there is little wind or rain to disperse the smoke from the burning and it lingers.
Local authorities in Chiang Mai and other Northern Thailand provinces have already announced plans to levy THB3,000 fines if they catch anybody burning anything. They have also asked householders not to burn any garbage before May.
ASEAN nations draught roadmap to tackle dry season smog issues
News in Asia
A committee of senior officials from ASEAN bloc nations have settled on a plan to tackle the annual haze that blankets the region. The officials met in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai and national environment-minister Surasak Karnjanarat presided over the discussions.