Teng at Songkran: Villagers cite PM2.5 impact on tourism

Khaosod•Politics•5h ago

Reader Briefing

Political delegation attends Songkran in Chiang Mai and Lamphun, addressing local concerns over PM2.5's detrimental effect on tourism.

•Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, visited Chiang Mai and Lamphun during the Songkran festival.
•Locals reported significant negative impacts on tourism due to PM2.5 pollution and forest fires.
•The People's Party pledged to push for the Clean Air Act, noting potential government inaction.
•The party is prepared to re-submit the draft Clean Air Act to parliament if the cabinet does not.
•A visit occurred on April 13, 2026, in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces.

•On April 13, 2026, Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut and the People's Party attended Songkran events in Chiang Mai and Lamphun.
•Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut participated in traditional ceremonies like bathing the Buddha statue and pouring water on elders.
•Citizens in the Northern region reported that tourists are postponing travel plans due to the PM2.5 and forest fire crisis, severely affecting tourism.
•Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut stated that the People's Party is ready to push for solutions for the people of Chiang Mai, especially regarding the Clean Air Act.
•The People's Party has previously urged the government to expedite the Clean Air Act, but the cabinet may not bring the draft for further consideration.
•If the cabinet does not consider the Clean Air Act, the People's Party is prepared to propose the draft to parliament for reconsideration.
•The primary concerns raised by residents were the impacts of forest fires and PM2.5 dust on their daily lives and the local economy.
•Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut expressed the People's Party's commitment to being a voice for all citizens and wished everyone hope, strength, and happiness during Songkran.

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Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut

"We are ready to propose the draft to the parliament for consideration again."

เราพร้อมที่จะนำร่างฯ เสนอเข้าสู่สภาเพื่อให้เกิดการพิจารณาอีกครั้งต่อไป

Teng(เท้ง)

A political figure attending the Songkran festival and discussing local issues.

Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut(นายณัฐพงษ์ เรืองปัญญาวุฒิ)

Leader of the People's Party who visited Chiang Mai and Lamphun to attend Songkran and address constituent concerns.

Kittichai Techakulwanich(นายกิตติชัย เตชะกุลวณิชย์)

Deputy leader of the People's Party who accompanied Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut on the Songkran visit.

Karunphol Thiansuwan(นายกรุณพล เทียนสุวรรณ)

Deputy spokesperson for the People's Party, present during the Songkran visit.

Particulate matter pollution which is negatively impacting tourism and public health.

Clean Air Act(พรบ.อากาศสะอาด)

Proposed legislation that the People's Party is advocating for to address air pollution concerns, particularly PM2.5.

People's Party(พรรคประชาชน)

A political party whose leader, Nattaphong Rueangpanyawut, is actively advocating for environmental legislation.

Cabinet(คณะรัฐมนตรี (ครม.))

The governmental body that has the authority to review and advance the draft Clean Air Act for parliamentary consideration.

Chiang Mai Province(จ.เชียงใหม่)ℹ️

One of the locations visited by the People's Party during the Songkran festival, where locals expressed concerns about air pollution.

Lamphun Province(จ.ลำพูน)ℹ️

One of the provinces visited by the People's Party during the Songkran festival, facing similar issues of air pollution and its impact on tourism.

Wang Chiang Man(วังเชียงมั่น)

A location in Chiang Mai where the bathing of the Phra Setthangkhamanee (White Emerald Buddha) ceremony took place.

Mueang Chiang Mai District(อ.เมืองเชียงใหม่)

The district within Chiang Mai where specific Songkran traditions like bathing the Buddha and respecting elders were observed.

Wat Mueang Kai(วัดเมืองกาย)

A temple in Mueang Chiang Mai District where the ritual of pouring water on elders was held.