PMAC 2025: ThaiHealth and its Partner Joined Forces to Address PM2.5 Pollution and Advocate for the Clean Air Act B.E. … for Pollution-free Air

PMAC 2025: ThaiHealth and its Partner Joined Forces to Address PM2.5 Pollution and Advocate for the Clean Air Act B.E. … for Pollution-free Air

The side meeting titled “Accountability and Technological Innovations for Air Quality and Health” was co-hosted by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and the Prince of Songkla University. This took place as part of the Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2025 (PMAC2025), under the overarching theme “Harnessing Technologies in an Age of AI to Build a Healthier World.” In his keynote address, Dr. Pairoj Saonuam, M.D., Deputy CEO of ThaiHealth, highlighted the PM2.5 crisis in Thailand. Specifically, in 2021, the country’s PM2.5 levels exceeded the standard limits in 65 provinces, with 44 provinces experiencing harmful levels. As a result, over 38 million people were exposed to the adverse effects of pollution. Moreover, in 2024, the number of air pollution-related illnesses reached over 12 million cases, resulting in economic losses of over 2.2 trillion baht. In addition to health and economic consequences, air pollution has threatened ecosystems, reduced biodiversity, and affected agriculture.

Efforts to address PM2.5 pollution in Thailand have been driven by multi-sectoral collaboration. In particular, ThaiHealth and its multi-sectoral partners have worked together to expand knowledge on PM2.5 pollution and implemented measures, such as the establishment of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Bangkok. They have also advocated for updating PM2.5 standards to align with those of Japan, Singapore, and the United States and organized the national conference to address PM 2.5 pollution. Additionally, they have actively advocated for the draft Clean Air Act B.E.… This aims to establish pollution-free spaces for all groups—particularly vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and those with medical conditions. A key initiative is the establishment of Clean Air Shelters to safeguard people from harmful air pollution.

In addition to Dr.Pairoj, key experts and civil society leaders from over 10 institutions in Thailand and internationally, working to address PM2.5 pollution, shared insights and participated in discussions at this side meeting.