The leaders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar agree that the three ASEAN countries must cooperate closely and within the ASEAN framework to cope more effectively with the transboundary haze problem and to reduce hotspots in the region.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his counterparts from Laos and Myanmar, Sonexay Siphandone and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, met on a video conference today to discuss the PM2.5 dust problem, as Air Quality Index real time readings show that the air quality in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos is currently the worst in the world.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Prayut proposed that the transboundary haze issue should be raised at the 42nd ASEAN Summit, so that it will be discussed extensively and tangible solutions worked out.
The Lao Prime Minister agreed with the ASEAN-level meeting and cooperation and the need to educate people about the impacts of forest fires and the causes of air pollution.
Min Aung Hlaing, meanwhile, said close cooperation among ASEAN countries will promote sustainable development in the region.
According to Pinsak Suraswadi, the director-general of Thailand’s Pollution Control Department, hotspots in the Mekong River sub-region from January to April had increased by 93% compared to the same period last year, exacerbating the transboundary haze pollution.
