March 20, 2024
Thailand considers corn import ban to combat pollution
The Thailand government is contemplating a potential ban on corn imports from neighbouring countries next year as part of efforts to address the worsening problem of PM2.5 fine dust pollution in northern regions of the country, Asean Now reported.
Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently visited Chiang Mai to evaluate preventive measures against wildfires and haze provided by government agencies.
During discussions with Cambodian and Laotian ministries and the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar army, the prime minister expressed concerns about preventing neighbouring nations from burning without violating their sovereignty. He proposed measures such as prohibiting corn imports during peak seasons and suggested the implementation of increased taxation.
Prime Minister Srettha emphasised the urgent need for action, announcing a plan to ban corn imports from January to April next year. He identified economic challenges as a root cause of PM2.5 pollution, with farmers resorting to burning agricultural waste and forests for various purposes.
To address this, the prime minister stressed the importance of innovative solutions and military cooperation to manage agricultural waste effectively. He highlighted the need for farmer education to equip them with alternative techniques for waste disposal.
Additionally, the government has allocated additional funding for wildfire prevention and firefighting efforts. Discussions have also been held regarding traffic congestion, another contributor to PM2.5 pollution, with relevant agencies.
Despite some fluctuations in fine dust levels, certain provinces, including Chiang Mai, have experienced significant increases, reaching global peaks. Chiang Mai was listed as the world's most polluted city for air quality, according to IQAir, alongside other cities like Lahore, Beijing, Delhi, and Dhaka.
- Asean Now
