Thailand and Myanmar Integrate Platform and Share Big Data to Combat Transboundary Haze Sustainably
Thailand and Myanmar are integrating data platforms and sharing technology to combat annual transboundary haze under a joint strategy through 2030, with Myanmar reporting a 12 percent reduction in hotspots this year.
On May 19, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin assigned Dr. Surintr Worakhitdhummrung, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, to chair the opening ceremony and participate in the meeting "Advancing Measures to Address Thailand-Myanmar Transboundary Haze Problems Under the Clear Sky Strategy (2024-2030)." Dr. San Oo, Director of Myanmar's Environmental Conservation Department, along with representatives from Myanmar's Ministry of Agriculture and Trade and Thai agencies, attended the meeting at Amorat Hotel in Chiang Mai to develop approaches for managing the annual transboundary haze crisis.
Dr. Surintr revealed that according to Myanmar's latest reports, the country reduced hotspots by 12 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting Myanmar's government efforts to enforce environmental conservation laws and conduct awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas. However, despite the reduction in hotspots, addressing the overall problem faces significant challenges, particularly limitations in infrastructure for air quality monitoring and incomplete database systems.
Dr. Surintr stated that the key outcome of today's discussion is that the Pollution Control Department stands ready to support Myanmar as a neighboring country to make trilateral cooperation concrete and sustainable. The proposed technical assistance includes:
- Developing platforms and websites for reporting transboundary haze situations and Myanmar's air quality status - Providing technical expertise and knowledge transfer on establishing air quality standards and Air Quality Index (AQI), as well as developing national air quality management action plans for Myanmar - Sharing knowledge on developing fire risk maps using hotspot-tracking technology to improve Myanmar's emergency response capabilities
Dr. Surintr emphasized that sharing technology and knowledge is crucial to linking air pollution big data, enabling accurate and safe solutions to transboundary haze that will restore clean air to the Mekong region sustainably.
