Yossakorn Discusses Solutions to PM2.5 Crisis, Emphasizing Need to Understand Local Context and Blend Technology with Community Knowledge

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yossakorn Wongswasdi participated in a forum discussion on "Joining Forces to Resolve the PM2.5 Crisis – Rights Protection and the Next Steps for Clean Air Legislation" on May 6, 2025, at Rama Gardens Hotel.

Organized by the National Human Rights Commission, the forum brought together representatives from multiple sectors, including Prue Aw-dochao, a leader of the northern Karen network; Jen Chanyarong, chairman of the Bangkok Air Breath Council; Pricha Prommma of the Chiang Mai Air Breath Council; and Sombutti Boongyamornong, director of the Mirror Foundation.

Yossakorn stated that the PM2.5 crisis is an urgent priority the government is committed to addressing systematically. Through continuous field work in the northern region, it became clear that a one-size-fits-all solution won't work. Instead, solutions must be grounded in genuine understanding of local contexts and receptiveness to voices from affected communities, as many dimensions cannot be captured through data alone.

He emphasized that while advanced technology enables precise analysis of pollution hotspots and sources, these tools become most powerful when combined with local knowledge and community wisdom to design targeted and sustainable solutions.

The government is implementing a Circular Economy framework, piloting it in the upper northern region to transform the burden into economic opportunity while respecting local wisdom and community ways of life, ensuring balanced growth for both environment and livelihoods.

Yossakorn stressed that addressing this crisis requires transcending political considerations to prioritize people's suffering. He pledged openness to integrating information from all sectors and working closely together, expressing confidence that shared data and collaboration will improve policy implementation accuracy and fairness.

He highlighted the importance of continued policy initiatives, including decentralization and the Climate Change Act, as crucial tools for long-term protection of citizens' right to clean air.