The private sector has agreed to the government's plan to slow production or suspend factory operations nationwide during Feb 4-6 to reduce waste discharge and improve air quality.
Some 1,300-1,500 factories will decelerate production, while 18 factories, mostly stone mills, will completely suspend operations.
The decision on solutions to tackle the continuing air pollution was reached yesterday in talks between the Industry Ministry and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Surapol Chamart, deputy permanent secretary of industry, said the government cooperated with the FTI to call the group's 2,599 factories, covering 15 provinces, to take this urgent action. But the ministry has received cooperation from 1,300-1,500 factories while the remainder have yet to respond.
"The slowing down and suspension period will start from 12.01am on Feb 4," Mr Surapol said. "In addition, the ministry's officials and Internal Security Operations Command soldiers will inspect all factories next week."
Some 1,300-1,500 factories will slow their operations by 25-30% from their normal shifts, expecting to reduce air pollution by 50% during Feb 4-6.
"Most factories that agreed to comply with this urgent action are from sugar millers, steel producers, cement makers and petrochemical companies," Mr Surapol said.
Meanwhile, the pollution from the industrial sector represents roughly 5% of the PM2.5 particles in the central region, including vehicle emissions.
Vice-chairman Kriangkrai Tiannukul said the FTI is supporting the ministry's action to solve the air pollution crisis.
The FTI also has its in-house eco-factory scheme to encourage all members to embrace green initiatives.
"We will call for our factory members to install the Continuous Emission Monitoring system (CEM) to reduce air pollution," Mr Kriangkrai said.
Moreover, the FTI is calling for related state agencies to promote public transport to use 100% electric vehicles with the waiving of import and excise tax to generate new zero-emission vehicles in the country.
New movement
National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc will let employees work from home during Feb 2-10 in 10 provinces where it has facilities -- Bangkok, Rayong, Khon Kaen, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Pathum Thani, Ratchaburi and Samut Prakan -- because the pollution is becoming hazardous to people's health.
"Each employee can seek permission from their supervisor," said PTT's internal announcement.
The state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) plans to suspend some activities that produce dust and particles, such as construction projects.
Pawana Angkananuwat, Egat's head of security control, said several power plants and power-loading control systems are still required to operate.
"But we will deploy steam spray from building rooftops to reduce particles and warn our staff to avoid any outdoor activities or to wear masks," Mrs Pawana said.
B.Grimm Power Plc delivered 1,200 masks to its staff and informed them of the issue through an internal email.
