Government, Private Sector Try Their Best to Curb Northern Smog

BANGKOK, April 3 (TNA) -- The government is joining forces with the private sector to alleviate smog in the North as the royalty has raised concern about the severe air pollution, deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was aware of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s concern about thick smoke haze in the North and the government was integrating efforts from relevant parties in all sectors to reduce hot spots in the region within seven days, Lt Gen Werachon said. The efforts would also reach neighboring countries that were aware of the same problem and had good ties with Thailand, he said. “The prime minister stressed that the royalty always follows up difficult situations of citizens and attaches importance to issues concerning natural resources and forest fires,” he said. “At the latest development, the army will train soldiers on fighting forest fires. Besides, other government organizations together with the private sector are doing whatever they can to improve the situation as soon as possible,” Lt Gen Werachon said. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission stated the government should handle smog as a national problem and work out immediate and long-term solutions. It also urged the government to seek cooperation from neighboring countries under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP). Besides, it proposed the government educate people on how to protect themselves from smog. (TNA)