“PPLE” calls on “Anutin govt” to tackle PM2.5 Crisis, Says people want clean air, Not political games

Today (April 2, 2026), Mr. Phattarapong Leelaphat, MP for Chiang Mai from the People's Party, held a press conference to urge the government to clarify its position on the draft Clean Air Act. He remarked that the air pollution problem in Northern Thailand is a national concern because everyone breathes the same air. He and the People's Party are pressing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's cabinet to clarify its position on the draft Clean Air Act and the country's future direction.

He further added that he sought confirmation from the government delegate, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who attended yesterday's parliamentary session. However, Mr. Suchart failed to clarify and instead gave an interview in which he stated that declaring a disaster zone would have a detrimental influence on tourism. Mr. Phattarapong thought this was ridiculous because tourism would be damaged regardless of whether such a declaration was made. He proposed that Mr. Suchart inquire with tourism businesses about how much the number of tourists has already decreased.

Regarding the status of the Clean Air Act draft, he stated that he would prefer to hear from Mr. Anutin or a cabinet representative rather than Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, a list MP from the Bhumjaithai Party. This may later be argued, using political tactics, that he was speaking on behalf of an MP rather than the Cabinet. Furthermore, Mr. Phattarapong expressed disappointment in Mr. Supachai's words, noting that Mr. Supachai was an advisor to the committee establishing the Clean Air Act as well as a subcommittee member who produced the 300-article measure.

"The draft Act was rejected due to the previous dissolution of Parliament. However, the new Cabinet may consider it within 60 days of the first parliamentary session. This deadline is May 13, 2026, the last day for Mr. Anutin to meet the people's needs. This isn't a political game; he needs to be truthful with the public about his strategies," Phattarapong added.

He also urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to reiterate his commitment to dealing with long-term structural issues for the people, alleviating worries throughout the North, Central, Northeast, and South areas.

Regarding PM Anutin's decision to empower governors in the North to speed up the wildfire response, Mr. Phattarapong remarked that asking governors to take immediate action on the wildfire crisis without providing a budget was wrong. "Since the Prime Minister has stated that the nine provinces in upper northern Thailand now match the criteria, the governors must designate a disaster zone. I believe that no governor would refuse to do so.”

“The question is: Why haven't they declared it? It is irresponsible to just issue orders and threats to manage flames while doing nothing to benefit the people of the North. The Prime Minister can simply ask the governors to declare it once the conditions are met,” he stated.

If a resolution is not issued, the People's Party and civil society organizations in Chiang Mai will prepare to petition the governor under Section 157 for clear failure of duty. If a disaster zone is designated, the emergency budget of 1.02 billion baht for the nine provinces, together with funding from all ministries, might be used to treat the issue at its root and its impact on public health.