BANGKOK, THAILAND: A CASE STUDY OF A DEVELOPING “MEGACITY”

Bangkok, a megacity with 12 million residents, has long been considered to have some of the highest levels of air pollution in the world. While air pollution continues to pose a major challenge for Thailand’s government, the World Bank recently declared that the “livability”(1) conditions of Bangkok have markedly improved within recent years. The following case study will examine Thailand’s strategy in attempting to overcome its air pollution and to review the current environmental situation in Bangkok.

Thailand’s first endeavor to control its pollution was with the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act of 1975. It was not until 1992 though, with amended Acts, that new governmental offices were created for the sole intent of improving the environment. The duties of these new offices included 1) the monitoring of air pollution 2) the establishment of air quality standards and 3) the development policy for the prevention and mitigation of air pollution (2). The results of these new policies can be summarized as follows (3):

Establishment of Air Quality Standards: Not only were air quality standards established, but they are frequently updated to take into account new health information and recommendations from international organizations.

Air Quality Monitoring Network: Bangkok’s network of air monitoring systems is constantly being expanded, from having just 8 units in 1983 to more than 53 units in 1997. The stations are located in residential, commercial, and industrial areas, including streetside “shophouses” (where many Thai’s engage in low-income level employment) reflecting the

government’s concern for the well-being of the entire population, not just the wealthier of tourist sectors.

Establishment of Automotive Pollution Reduction Strategies: Recognizing that the primary contributor of the air pollution in Bangkok stemmed from the transportation sector, as in the case of most urban megacities, Thailand instituted several regulations:

Lead gas was phased-out by 1996. This was done gradually by initially making unleaded gasoline less expensive. Fuel quality was improved by adding oxygenated compounds that reduce CO2 emissions (done in part to mitigate emissions from motorcycles, which are difficult for the government to control.

A vehicle inspection and maintenance program was created to limit unhealthy levels of emissions. Varying regulations were established for each of the different automotive categories such as buses and trucks, passenger cars, taxis, and lastly, motorcycles.

New and improved public transportation options are being offered to Bangkok’s residents to help reduce the number of cars and motorcycles in use each day.

Traffic Management: Several programs, such as enlarging the road networks and creating “bus only” lanes have been instituted to help increase the traffic speed in Bangkok. The slow, stop and go traffic, which often plagues cities, vastly increases the level of harmful pollutants emitted into the air.

Public Access to Air Quality Information: An internet based system, AQNIS, was established so that constantly updated air quality information can be presented and distributed to the general public, the mass-media, and decision makers.

Several factors contribute to Thailand’ success in reducing the air pollution in Bangkok. For one, Thailand, as well as other developing countries in Southeast Asia, has been the recipient of foreign investment in the last two decades which has significantly improved the country’s economic environment. A strengthened economy empowers a government in effecting laws, that while beneficial for the country in the long run, may in fact be financially burdensome for the inhabitants in the short run. Thailand should be commended for its ongoing pursuit to improve the environment. The government has shown foresight (in recognizing and implementing long term solutions to long lasting problems), progressiveness (by allowing public access to air quality information and granting the press free speech in criticizing the effectiveness of certain environmental policies) and wisdom (by taking advantage of improved economic conditions and also by being receptive to guidance from international organizations).