Bangkok’s skyline might be iconic but the city’s haze is one thing no one wants to see. In a move to clear the air, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has announced a series of tightened measures to tackle PM2.5 pollution, as part of Bangkok’s new strategy to become a truly breathable city.
The Governor revealed that the capital has officially been designated a pollution control zone, giving the city greater authority to enforce air-quality measures across the board. And unlike previous years, the city isn’t waiting for the smokey season to take action. These initiatives are being rolled out all year round.
The low-emission zone expands
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is expanding. Basically, it’s a system that keeps the worst-polluting vehicles off the roads when the air gets dangerously bad. Right now, it only applies to big trucks with six wheels or more but smaller vehicles will be included later on. Only cars on the green list can keep rolling. That means lorries that meet proper safety and environmental standards, the kind that get their engine oil and air filters changed regularly, plus EVs, NGVs and EURO 5-6 vehicles. Classic cars get a free pass for now.
The LEZ isn’t a full-time ban, though. It’s a flexible measure that kicks in only when pollution hits crisis levels, like when PM2.5 averages reach red in five or more districts or forecasts show red in over five districts or orange in more than 15. The zones currently cover the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road area, spreading across 22 districts (nine of them in the inner city) and main roads in 13 more. If anyone ignores the rule, they could face up to a month in jail or a fine of B2,000.
Bangkok’s not doing this alone either. The city’s teaming up with nearby provinces to tackle agricultural burning, one of the big causes of haze. In Nakhon Nayok, for example, two fire-prone districts are now working with Bangkok to prevent field fires and push for more sustainable farming options.
Cleaner air for all
Children remain a top priority. The city is expanding its dust-free classroom project, installing air purifiers and filtered ventilation so that students can learn safely even on high-smog days. Meanwhile, the Work From Home initiative has grown to over 200,000 participants, helping to reduce both traffic and emissions. More offices are expected to join, particularly during severe pollution periods.