Increased measures are being implemented to combat rising levels of PM2.5 pollution.

In an effort to combat hazardous PM2.5 air pollution in Bangkok, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced plans to expand its Low Emission Zone (LEZ) measures across all 50 districts by 2026. This initiative, led by Mr. Pornprom Vikitsreth, an adviser to Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt and the vice chairman of the LEZ steering committee, emphasizes the importance of addressing PM2.5 fine particulate matter.

Starting from October 1, truck operators are urged to complete their registration and perform required maintenance online via https://lez.bangkok.go.th. The focus is on registering large trucks with at least six wheels, as these vehicles will be required to register on the "Green List", a system designed to ensure only well-maintained vehicles are allowed to operate in Bangkok during pollution control periods.

A recent meeting was held to discuss strategies for strengthening LEZ enforcement, attended by city officials and key stakeholders. During the meeting, the committee proposed enhancing the online Green List registration platform with tracking and verification features. CCTV installation along major entry and exit routes linking Bangkok with neighbouring provinces is to be expanded, aiming to improve the monitoring of vehicles entering the city.

To tackle non-compliance, legal action was taken in 465 cases related to trucks not registered on the Green List during the specified period. A centralised complaint and enforcement database is to be developed to track legal actions and remove repeat offenders. The committee also suggested upgrading CCTV software and APIs, while extending data retention to 90 days.

Public communication through district offices and official websites is to be strengthened to ensure the public is well-informed about the LEZ measures. The committee proposed improvements to the LEZ measures, including suggestions for the online Green List registration platform and CCTV installation.

The expansion of LEZ measures is a central focus of the plan, with a focus on stricter regulation of heavy-duty vehicles. As of March 31, 2025, a total of 57,396 large trucks were registered under the Green List, but only 1,285 were registered on the Green List during pollution periods. During extremely heavy pollution from January 23-24, 5,569 large trucks were reported to have entered the city's LEZ area.

For the next fiscal year, the committee proposed a draft timeline that includes issuing a directive from the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command. This directive, enforced under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, will formally restrict the entry of non-compliant six-wheel trucks into Bangkok during pollution emergencies.

The BMA's efforts to expand and strengthen the LEZ measures are part of a broader commitment to improving air quality in Bangkok and ensuring a healthier and more sustainable city for its residents.