Thailand will seek the involvement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to solve the haze issue coming from smoke-belching neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Foreign Affairs Ministry to raise the issue with the countries involved. About 50 Thais went to the Indonesian Consulate in Songkhla on Tuesday to file an official complaint about the haze. The prime minister is pushing for short and long term proposals to solve the problem.

The smoke originated from Indonesian burn-offs and has affected Singapore, Malaysia and southern Thailand, resulting in health concerns and difficulties in businesses.

According to Thailand’s Pollution Control Department’s air pollution index, the haze on Tuesday was the worst recorded since 1999. The amount of particle matter up to 10 micrometre in size (PM10) exceeds safe limits in three of Thailand’s provinces, Songkhla, Phuket and Satun.

The El Nino season that has hit the Southeast Asian region has contributed to the worsening of the smog in the affected countries and can be the cause for prolonging the condition. Malaysian and Singaporean tourism and business have been suffering for weeks. Some countries are starting to send travel warnings about the two countries. The smog is also affecting hotels and retails spending, Bank of America Merrill Lynch economist Chua Hak Bin told Bloomberg.

President of the Tourism Council in Thailand Ittirit Kinglek said all ASEAN member states should discuss the smog issue formally as it is a problem that hits the region every year. He adds that smog affects the region during high season.

As of press time, Indonesia has not issued a response to the call of the Thai government. The last statement made by Indonesia regarding the issue was slammed by Singapore on Sep. 25, noting that senior Indonesian officials do not give regard to its neighbouring countries’ health concerns.

The worst smog case in the region was in 1997, which led to significant business and productivity losses of affected countries.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES