Thailand is set to ban corn imports from neighboring countries linked to agricultural burning to address worsening air quality, particularly in its northern provinces. This move, part of a broader effort to combat pollution, aligns with the impending implementation of the Clean Air Act, ensuring compliance with international trade commitments. The proposed legislation aims to regulate various pollution sources, including industries and transportation, reflecting Thailand's commitment to tackling root causes such as crop burning and industrial emissions amidst escalating concerns over public health risks. By targeting specific contributors like corn imports, Thailand aims to mitigate the worsening air quality crisis while advancing broader environmental sustainability goals.
Original article written by: Reuters
Thailand is taking decisive action against air pollution by planning to prohibit corn imports from neighboring countries associated with agricultural burning. This move, announced by a government official on Wednesday, aims to address the pressing issue of air quality deterioration, particularly in Thailand's northern provinces bordering Myanmar and Laos. The ban is part of a broader effort to combat pollution and will be implemented following the enactment of the Clean Air Act, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Despite this measure, Thailand assures that its actions remain consistent with its obligations to the World Trade Organization.
The proposed Clean Air Act, currently being discussed by Thai lawmakers, aims to address pollution across different areas. Once it's passed, it will regulate activities contributing to air pollution, including industries, businesses, farming, and transportation. This law shows Thailand's commitment to dealing with the causes of air pollution, like crop burning and industrial emissions. The recent high pollution levels in cities like Chiang Mai, ranked as the world's most polluted city by IQAir, highlight the need for such regulations.
Air pollution has led to significant measures in Thailand, like allowing remote work in Bangkok to reduce pollution. The sources of pollution, including agricultural burning, industry emissions, and traffic, have created thick smog in cities, endangering public health. By focusing on specific contributors to pollution, such as corn imports associated with agricultural burning, Thailand aims to address the factors worsening its air quality crisis and promote broader environmental sustainability goals.