Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, in collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), is moving forward with the “PM2.5 Dust Reduction Vehicle Clinic Project, Phase 6” to support the inspection of engine conditions and oil changes to reduce black smoke, with service points available at over 1,463 locations for six months.
Various parties are working together to address the PM2.5 dust problem. Recently, Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that the FTI has always been aware of the PM2.5 dust issue. Therefore, under the One FTI policy, it has promoted the industrial sector to shift towards a green industry, or Go Green, for a comprehensive approach to business operations throughout the supply chain, starting with reducing the sourcing of agricultural raw materials that come from burning, cooperating in monitoring air pollution emissions from the production process, and controlling various activities within factories that are sources of dust. This includes maintaining machinery and vehicles used for transporting employees and encouraging factory members to operate according to Eco Factory guidelines, which are measures for environmental protection and promoting the use of renewable energy within organizations. These efforts will serve as a proactive mechanism to sustainably prevent the problems of dust particles and pollution from the industrial sector.
In addition to the aforementioned manufacturing sector, the FTI places importance on the PM2.5 issue from the transportation sector, especially in Bangkok, which accounts for over 50% of the problem and stems from freight vehicles transporting goods and public buses that lack proper inspection and maintenance to ensure engine readiness for use. For this reason, the FTI has encouraged its automotive industry members to carry out the PM2.5 Dust Reduction Vehicle Clinic project, now in its sixth phase, offering discounts to vehicle users who visit service centers for engine maintenance, which will help mitigate the impact of PM2.5 dust issues.
Ms. Yupin Boonsiri-chan, Chairperson of the Automotive Industry Group, Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated, “The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), through the Automotive Industry Group and relevant private sectors, has jointly conducted the ‘PM2.5 Dust Reduction Vehicle Clinic’ project five times in the past. The private sector has collaboratively provided discounts for engine condition checks and oil changes for over 600,000 diesel vehicles that are out of warranty. This can be calculated to a total of more than 115 million baht supported by member companies for the project’s budget.”
For the 6th round of the PM2.5 Dust Reduction Vehicle Maintenance project this year, nine member companies from the automotive industry group are offering discounts on maintenance costs to reduce black smoke. This includes free condition inspections, discounts on engine oil, labor costs, and spare parts related to oil changes and engine checks for old diesel and gasoline vehicles across the country from October 2024 to February 2025. Some companies will continue the project until March 2025, with over 1,463 service centers from participating automotive manufacturers involved during this 6-month period. Interested citizens can contact and request additional information at the service centers of the participating automotive brands.
However, the automotive industry group of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), as a representative of the industrial sector, sees that the approach of supporting the public in maintaining their vehicles, especially old cars, will be a crucial way to improve the combustion efficiency of vehicles and reduce the impacts that contribute to PM2.5 dust problems, thus addressing the issue at its root. In addition, the automotive industry group is pushing for the development of environmentally friendly vehicles, reducing emissions, and preparing to transition into a modern automotive industry, particularly electric vehicles, to elevate the Thai automotive industry in line with global trends, while also promoting the reduction of negative environmental impacts, especially the tangible reduction of PM2.5 dust.
Mr. Chatchart Sitthiphan, the Governor of Bangkok, stated that the dust problem in Bangkok arises from three factors: vehicles, biomass burning, and stagnant weather conditions. If we work together to solve the issue of dust from vehicles, we can significantly reduce the dust problem in Bangkok. Last year, over 2,000 black smoke-emitting vehicles were caught out of 200,000 vehicles, but it was found that this did not significantly address the PM2.5 dust problem. The best method is to change the engine oil and air filter regularly, especially for old diesel vehicles.
However, economic issues are another important factor that prevents people from changing their filters and engine oil on time, particularly among SMEs. This leads to today’s collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to launch a special campaign inviting the public to change their engine oil from now until the end of January 2025, with special discounts as an incentive and to instill pride in participating in reducing the dust problem in Bangkok. The target is for everyone to work together on addressing PM2.5 dust, with Bangkok aiming for 500,000 vehicles.
In addition, Bangkok has conducted tests on PM2.5 emissions from a Euro 3 diesel vehicle simulator that has passed the smoke test at the Bangkok Vocational Training School (Athorn Sangkhavathana) in the Thung Khru district. Observations were made comparing vehicles that have not been maintained versus those that have undergone maintenance, including changing the vehicle’s air filter and engine oil in a room sized at 50 cubic meters. The test results showed that maintained vehicles, which have had their air filters and engine oil changed, can reduce PM2.5 emissions by up to 50% and also help extend the vehicle’s lifespan. Bangkok has mandated that personal vehicles of Bangkok executives and government vehicles must have their engine oil changed before the end of 2024.
Therefore, everyone is encouraged to participate in this campaign, as it will improve vehicle engine performance. Additionally, everyone is urged to use public transport, as Bangkok will expedite efforts to encourage those using private cars to switch to public transport by providing more convenient feeder buses and pedestrian pathways to connect with the public transport system.
Source: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Federation of Thai Industries
CR. https://www.springnews.co.th/keep-the-world/environment/854345
