Free purifiers, please

It is a sign of wisdom and honesty to admit your limitations and act accordingly. The Thai government is failing to employ meaningful action to combat PM2.5 pollution beyond admitting publicly that it is a problem. A year after official recognition, most tangible efforts are still years away from being implemented.

Honesty would dictate that “owning” this ineptitude is essential, as is taking immediate steps to reduce the harm to the population. The government should give air purifiers to every household. Nothing less will suffice! Start with families that have children and elderly dependents, then extend the measure to all. Of course, any large government procurement will result in cases of malfeasance and corruption, but at least the people will be protected.

Another immediate step the government could take is to order the BTS and MRT systems to boost capacity with more carriages while also reducing fares so everyone can afford them. This would cut vehicle pollution instantly and ease traffic congestion.

However, anything that will help people suffering a problem they have no control over will cost the government money. No denying that. A drastic shift in financial priorities is in order. Maybe taking away their ability to purchase submarines and tanks would draw the attention of leaders to the fact that “business as usual” is what created this situation in the first place.

DARIUS HOBER