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27 Jan 2026

International Economy

Inside Beijing’s smog battle: A 10-year journey to reduce severe PM2.5 pollution to just two days a year (Current Issue No.3633 Full Ed.)

คะแนนเฉลี่ย
  • China once fueled its economic growth at the expense of pollution from heavy industry, coal use, and rapid urbanization, resulting in a severe smog crisis and mounting domestic and international pressure since 2013. This became a key turning point, prompting the Chinese government to elevate PM2.5 to a national priority. 
  • Before implementing measures, Beijing’s average PM2.5 concentration was as high as 89.5 µg/m³, with only 13 ‘good air’ days per year. However, after more than a decade of sustained structural measures, including phasing out coal use, regulating industries and motor vehicles, as well as enforcing cross-regional laws, PM2.5 levels have plummeted by more than 60 percent, leaving only two ‘bad air’ days per year. 
  • The lessons from China demonstrate that tackling PM2.5 requires a shift from short-term fixes to structural management focused on source reduction. Although Thailand is well-equipped with data, technology, and international case studies, it still lacks rigorous law enforcement and policy clarity. It is essential to elevate these efforts through the Clean Air Act and strictly regulate primary emission sources.

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International Economy