ASEAN ministers to discuss solution to haze

BANGKOK, October 5 (TNA) - Thailand will join a regional forum in Vietnam next month to discuss a solution to haze-related problems in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Wijarn Simachaya, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, told journalists on Monday that Thai Natural Resources and Environment Minister General Surasak Kanchanarat will attend an ASEAN ministerial meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, next month to discuss and seek a solution to the smog-related problems based on relevant ASEAN agreements, after haze from forest fires in Indonesia have affected Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. In case of Thailand, Wijarn said haze from Indonesia currently has blanketed many areas in the southern region with particulate matters (PMs) levels now measured highest in Hat Yai of Songkhla Province at 108 microgrammes per cubic metre, which remain within the safety standard range of no higher than 120 microgrammes per cubic metre. Wijarn pointed out that PMs levels in many cities in Malaysia, including its capital, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, now exceed the 120 microgrammes per cubic metre, while those in Indonesia stand even as high as 500-600 microgrammes per cubic metre. Wijarn noted that the Thai government has liaised with the ASEAN Secretariat to inform Indonesia to take speical care of its haze-related issues to limit negative impacts on neighbouring countries. According to the senior official, his department will continue monitoring and evaluating the haze situation in the Thai South until the end of this month, when PMs levels are expected to further rise unless there are enough downpours in Indonesia in the coming days to relieve haze. The senior official stressed if the PMs levels in the Thai South considerable increase, his ministry will discuss with the Ministry of Public Health to jointly work out measures to protect local people's health. The senior official, however, advised people in the haze-affected areas to wear face masks while being outdoors and avoid being in open areas for a long time, especially those with chronic diseases. (TNA)