News Forum - Control measures set to reduce pollution in Bangkok from vehicle emissions

[Thaiger]

To tackle the seasonal haze in Bangkok, Thai officials are coming up with ways to reduce pollution from car and truck exhaust. Road checkpoints will be set up to look out for vehicles emitting clouds of black smoke and drivers of vehicles emitting exhaust that exceeds legal limits will face a 5,000 baht fine. According to the National News Bureau of Thailand, the Pollution Control Department plans to set “stringent pollution control measures” in seeking to halve airborne particles caused by vehicle emissions in the capital. Among the measures, “special check-up packages” will be provided for vehicles that have been […]

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[Shade_Wilder]

I am glad to see that people in Bangkok are suffering.

Now, before everyone starts yelling and screaming, let me explain why.

The simple fact is that in Thailand of the last 7-8 years or so (Hmm... what occurred 7-8 years ago?), no issue is really addressed UNLESS it affects Bangkokians, and more specifically the Bangkok middle-class. Yes, there is the occasional lip-service to regional problems, but in terms of problem-solving by government, the issue has been Bangkok Bangkok Bangkok.

So, if Thailand is going to do anything to deal with annual horrific air-pollution, Bangkok must suffer from it.

Thank you people of Bangkok; your noble suffering might mean that people in other areas of Thailand see some progress in dealing with this annual menace.

Okay, they probably won't as an election isn't expected until late next year. 

But, we can dream, can't we?

[Poolie]

I last spent any appreciable time in Bangkok ten years ago. Just been transitting since, but Bangkok was a filthy place then. It obviously hasn't changed much.

[DiJoDavO]

Why do they start only in October or November? Maybe if they do it throughout the year, there won't be any problem. Every year they only start during this time, and stop somewhere in February. But those filthy cars are still driving and not being stopped during the other part of the year. 

[billywillyjones]

It's not only about cars.  We have had a huge reduction of buses and cars in many parts of Thailand that suffer pollution but it continues.  It is the abundance of loosely regulated factories and it is not going away anytime soon.  Why do you think the reporting station in Pattaya has been inoperable for the last years lol.

[Jason]

Prayut has to have something to take to Glasgow....

[gummy]

5 hours ago, Thaiger said:

Road checkpoints will be set up to look out for vehicles emitting clouds of black smoke and drivers of vehicles emitting exhaust that exceeds legal limits will face a 5,000 baht fine

Well I would hardly classify that as a control measure. More like more pocket money for the state sponsored RTP. A control measure would be instantly taking them off the road, cargo and all so that the real culprits, the vehicles owners, would need to compensate the cargo's owners. But then the well connected transport owners might just get upset and with their friends and master not allow these buffoons to remain in power for too much longer. Thailand the "Hub of Lipservice"

[PQBC]

Vehicles over a certain age must be inspected annually at a certified garage. The age is about 5 years, if memory serves.

I think these roadblocks should lead the police to some of the garages that have passed the offending stinkpots and the certification of some of these garages should be revoked.