Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has floated the idea of reducing taxes and registration fees for environmentally-friendly vehicles, to combat the ultra-fine PM2.5 smog blanketing the city. Long-term measures to curb haze also include raising taxes and fees on vehicles which fail exhaust emissions tests. Among the eco-friendly vehicles subject to the proposed lower tax rate are electric and hybrid cars. Meanwhile, PM2.5 levels in Khon Kaen on Wednesday hit 101 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), way above the government's so-called safe threshold of 50 µg/m³. Despite the rain this week helping dissipate the fine dust, PM2.5 is expected to make a comeback, especially in November, when high pressure from China is again expected to cloak upper and central regions.

Source: Bangkok Post October 02, 2019 23:42 UTC