Pollution Control Department
| กรมควบคุมมลพิษ | |
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 4 April 1992 |
| Jurisdiction | Thailand |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent department | Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment |
Pollution Control Department (PDC, Thai: กรมควบคุมมลพิษ) is a Thai dependent department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.[1]
The department is tasked with reducing environmental pollution in Thailand, along with collecting data on pollution levels and sources.[2]
Organization
[edit]The most senior official in the Department is the Director-General. The position is currently held by Preeyaporn Suwannakes (Thai: ปรีญาพร สุวรรณเกษ, RTGS: Priyaphon Suwanket).[3]
History
[edit]In 2024, the PDC released a pollution control plan for 2025 that aimed to address haze pollution, including targeting forest, agricultural and urban sources.[4]
The PCD operates vehicle checkpoints targeting "black smoke" emissions.[5][6] In 2021, approximately half of all vehicles stopped by PCD checkpoints exceeded legal exhaust limits.[7] These checkpoints were increased during the 2025 Bangkok smog.
On 1 February 2025, PCD Director-General Preeyaporn Suwannakes announced new measures targeting vehicles emitting black smoke in conjunction with the Traffic Police Division.[3] These measures include mandating vehicle owners fix non-compliant vehicles within 15 days, a decrease from the previous requirement of 30 days.[3] Under the authority of Thailand's Traffic Act and the Environmental Protection Act of 1992, police can now order vehicle owners to rectify excess emissions within the 15-day period.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ Wipatayotin, Apinya (2025-02-02). "Tackling roots of PM2.5 air pollution in Thailand". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
- ^ "Governor Chadchart cites PM2.5 causes: car smoke, burning, and weather lid". nationthailand. 2025-01-09. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
- ^ a b c d Mail, Pattaya (2025-01-31). "Bangkok tightens black smoke vehicle regulations; 15-day fix period now enforced". Pattaya Mail. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
- ^ Wipatayotin, Apinya (2024-10-22). "PCD outlines new plan to fight haze". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
- ^ "Dept goes after black-smoke belchers to curb PM2.5 pollution". Bangkok Post. 2023-01-29. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
- ^ "Police nearly double checkpoints for exhaust-spewing vehicles". nationthailand. 2019-01-16. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
- ^ Reporters, Online (2022-01-17). "About half of inspected vehicles are polluters". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-02-03.