Bangkok: Civil society groups have submitted a petition to parliament urging the enactment of a Clean Air Act to urgently address the PM2.5 crisis.
According to Thai News Agency, the advisor to the Speaker of Parliament received a letter requesting parliamentary approval of the draft Clean Air Management Act, pursuant to Section 147, paragraph two, before the joint parliamentary session today.
Today, Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai, advisor to the President of the Parliament, received a letter from Mr. Sawit Kaewwan, President of the Thai Labor Solidarity Federation (TLSF), and his delegation. They requested the Parliament to approve the draft Clean Air Management Act B.E. .... as requested by the Cabinet, in accordance with Section 147, paragraph two, of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Thailand is currently facing a severe and ongoing air pollution crisis, particularly the problem of PM2.5 particulate matter exceeding standard levels in many areas across the country, including urban, industrial, and rural areas. This directly impacts public health, especially children, the elderly, laborers, and those with pre-existing conditions, increasing their risk of respiratory diseases, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It also affects the economy, education, tourism, and overall quality of life. This problem stems from multiple factors, including emissions from industry, vehicles, construction, and open burning, as well as the lack of effective legal mechanisms for integrated control, prevention, and mitigation. Furthermore, citizens lack access to information, opportunities for participation, and the ability to truly exercise their rights to protect their health and the environment.
Therefore, the Thai Labor Solidarity Federation (TLSF), the State Enterprise Workers' Federation (SEWF), labor organizations, the Clean Air Network, civil society organizations, environmental organizations, academics, and those affected have jointly pushed for the "Draft Clean Air Act." This act originated from public participation with the aim to bring about long-term, sustainable changes and reforms to the country's air pollution and environmental management structure, leading to improved health and well-being. This aligns with national strategies and policies and meets current international standards that prioritize health as much as economic development. The Act guarantees citizens' right to access clean air, establishes effective measures for air pollution prevention and control, provides opportunities for all sectors to participate in policy-making and oversee government operations, and, importantly, holds polluters accountable for the tangible economic and social impacts of air pollution.
The aforementioned "Clean Air Management Act B.E. ...." is a law resulting from the integrated and collaborative efforts of over five years, starting with the public's petition and undergoing continuous legislative review. Throughout this process, opportunities were given to public representatives to participate thoroughly in the consideration of the draft law, culminating in its approval by the House of Representatives. However, due to the dissolution or expiration of parliamentary terms, the highly anticipated law has stalled, remaining under consideration by the Senate's ad hoc committee. According to Section 147, paragraph one, of the 2017 Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, the current Cabinet must request Parliament to allow the House of Representatives or the Senate, as the case may be, to continue consideration of the draft Act. Only if Parliament approves can the draft Act be brought back into the legislative process.
The Cabinet, on May 5, 2026, approved a request to Parliament to reconsider the draft bill, following the proper procedures. However, this draft bill still contains a crucial condition that requires parliamentary approval to ensure that the legal mechanism for protecting the fundamental health rights of the public can move forward effectively.
Based on the above, the Thai Labor Solidarity Federation (TLSF) and the State Enterprise Workers' Federation (SEWF) therefore request that the Parliament consider and approve the draft Clean Air Management Act B.E. .... as requested by the Cabinet under Section 147, paragraph two, of the 2017 Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. This is to ensure the legislative process can move forward and so that Thai people and future generations can breathe clean air as soon as possible. They also urge the Parliament to expedite the consideration of this draft law before the new Senate elections, for the benefit of public health, quality of life, and fundamental rights, as well as for a sustainable environmental future for the country.
Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai stated after receiving the letter that he had been assigned by the Speaker of Parliament to represent him in receiving the document concerning the draft Clean Air Management Act, which is scheduled to be discussed at the joint parliamentary session today. He will forward the document to the Speaker of Parliament for consideration and further action by forwarding it to the relevant agencies according to legislative procedure.