Thailand, Laos and Myanmar strengthen cooperation to tackle cross-border pollution

Prime Minister Prayut proposed the CLEAR Sky Strategy as a way to address the transboundary problem of haze pollution.

On April 7, 2023, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, organized a trilateral consultation on transboundary haze pollution via video conference with Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, and General in Chief Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister of Myanmar.

The meeting took note of the general situation of transboundary haze pollution in the region and exchanged information and experiences on how to deal with transboundary haze pollution. Constructive and concrete approaches to address this common problem were also discussed.

CLEAR Sky Strategy

Prime Minister Prayut proposed the “CLEAR Sky Strategy” to effectively address transboundary haze pollution.

First of all, I indicate the importance of maintaining a “Continued Commitment” to work closely towards the goal of reducing hot spots, as outlined in the Chiang Rai Action Plan adopted by five countries of the Mekong subregion in 2017.

As a second item, he highlighted the need for “Taking advantage of mechanisms.” In other words, all countries must take advantage of the relevant mechanisms at all levels.

Kasikornbank – Thailand

Thailand will promote cooperation on transboundary haze pollution through locally relevant bilateral mechanisms with Laos and Myanmar.

The country will also raise the issue of transboundary haze pollution for discussion at the 42nd ASEAN Summit, to be held in Indonesia next May.

Thirdly, he proposed an “Exchange of experiences”. Thailand supports efforts to exchange information and experiences, as well as each country’s legal commitments to control and contain sources of transboundary haze pollution.

Thailand to promote cooperation on transboundary haze pollution through locally relevant bilateral mechanisms with Laos and Myanmar

Finally, the “Air Quality Network”: Thailand advocates for greater and concerted cooperation between the air quality networks of the countries of the sub-region.

Senior officials from the three countries responsible for transboundary haze pollution will meet via video conference in the afternoon to build on the outcomes of the morning leaders’ meeting.

trilateral consultation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment launched this trilateral consultation to create a platform where the three leaders could discuss ways to more effectively and concertedly address the problem of transboundary haze pollution.

This pressing problem has affected the health and well-being of the population in all three countries and requires immediate action and cooperation to find solutions. In the afternoon, Buruspat, Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, will organize a trilateral meeting of senior officials with the three countries to discuss the implementation of the political guidance given by the leaders.