CityNews – PM plans to visit northern region to address pollution issue.
On April 1st, Matichon reported on an address on pollution in the northern region from Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha. The PM stated that the government has been monitoring the issue for months. He brought up the official ban that has been announced to remedy the issue and stressed that the government, especially at the provincial and governor levels, is doing their best. The PM revealed that the government has been discussing the issue with neighbouring countries but the nation also needs to work together.
The PM cited data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, disclosing that there are over 3,000 areas that are affected by the pollution. A collaboration with the Ministry of Interior is needed to enforce control over man-made fire, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will present the topic to ASEAN countries. At the heart of this issue is the people, the PM emphasised when asked about his purpose during a visit to Chiang Mai on April 2nd. The PM answered the claims that there are burners who wish to discredit the government, stating that the matter is being investigated, while asking not to tie the issue with politics.