Govt-Private Campaign Offers 50% Car Service Discount to Cut PM2.5
The Thai government has launched a nationwide campaign offering up to 50% discounts on vehicle maintenance to combat PM2.5 pollution. Running from November 2026 through March 2027, the initiative involves nine major car brands, oil companies, and service centers. Bangkok also plans to implement a Low Emission Zone restricting polluting vehicles when air quality reaches dangerous levels.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin spearheaded proactive measures to address PM2.5 dust pollution by joining forces with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Federation of Thai Industries, and private sector partners to launch the "Pro-Sue-Pun Reduce PM2.5 Together" campaign under the concept "Maintain Cars, Reduce Smoke, Reduce Dust." The public is invited to bring vehicles for inspection and maintenance to receive "Double Discount" benefits: up to 50% off service costs including labor, parts, and engine oil, plus special privileges from project partners. The campaign runs from November 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
At the launch event and seminar on November 6, 2026, held at the Pollution Control Department's conference room, Dr. Surinth Warakijthamrong, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, revealed that older, poorly maintained vehicles with incomplete engine or emission control systems can emit higher levels of pollutants and black smoke, especially during the year-end to early-year period when weather conditions favor PM2.5 accumulation. Regular maintenance serves as prevention and encourages owners to check vehicle condition and change engine oil per manufacturer recommendations, which helps maintain engine efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve fuel economy.
Key project highlights include the "Double Discount" benefits: first, "Reduce Car Care Costs" offering up to 50% off labor, parts, and engine oil at participating service centers covering nine brands — Toyota, Isuzu, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Hino, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Mazda — plus oil companies PTT, Bangchak, Shell, and PT, and independent centers B-Quik, Auto1, and Autobacs. Second, "Maintain Car, Get More Privileges" provides an E-Sticker for discounts or parking benefits at participating malls including Central, The Mall, Lotus's, and Makro, plus benefits for purchasing compulsory motor insurance via AIS.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated the BMA will collaborate closely with the Ministry on strict measures, including enhanced black smoke vehicle checks with traffic police and the Department of Land Transport at major routes, Khlong Toei, and construction sites. The BMA is also preparing to activate a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in inner Bangkok, restricting or banning large trucks and black smoke vehicles when dust levels hit red, with dust alerts linked via the BMA-AIR and LI applications.
