VIENTIANE, April 29 — A consultation meeting was held in the Lao capital Vientiane today, bringing together senior officials from Laos and Thailand to discuss measures to address transboundary smog pollution and reaffirm their commitment to improving air quality.
Xinhua reported that the meeting was attended by Lao Agriculture and Environment Minister Linkham Douangsavanh and Thai Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, along with representatives from relevant sectors of both countries.
Citing the Lao News Agency, it said that the meeting aimed to advance joint efforts in line with directives issued by the Prime Ministers of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar to address cross-border haze pollution.
Participants also reviewed progress under an existing memorandum of understanding between Laos and Thailand, and explored future cooperation strategies.
Key topics included the current PM 2.5 pollution situation in Laos and mitigation measures, preparations for upcoming regional meetings, and the implementation of the CLEAR Sky Strategy in Laos.
In his remarks, Linkham highlighted the importance of the CLEAR Sky Strategy (2024-2030), emphasising that it focuses on five priority areas, including forest fire prevention and control, air quality monitoring and modelling, sustainable agriculture, enforcement of environmental laws, and improved coordination.
Looking ahead, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar will strengthen implementation of the strategy. Key priorities include intensifying forest fire prevention, reducing agricultural burning, expanding sustainable farming practices, and enhancing officials' capacity at the central and local levels to monitor air quality and respond effectively.
PM 2.5 levels in Laos exceeded 100 microgrammes (μg) per cubic metre (m³) nationwide in early April, double the commonly accepted safety threshold of 50 μg/m³, prompting the government to step up mitigation efforts. The Lao government will continue working with all sectors and regional partners to curb pollution and safeguard public health.
