Clean Air Act and Climate Change Act: Two Laws Changing the Game for Thai Businesses
When it comes to environmental laws in Thailand, many might wonder if the “Clean Air Act” and the “Climate Change Act” are the same. In reality, these two acts aim to address problems at different levels but are interconnected within the broader framework of Thailand's Net Zero policy.
Origins of Both Laws
After Thailand joined Paris Agreement in 2015, the government needed to enact national laws to support its environmental commitments.
- The Climate Change Act, or simply the Global Warming Act, developed by the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), aims to reduce GHG emissions by at least 30–40 % from BAU by 2030 and lead Thailand towards Carbon Neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero by 2065.
- Meanwhile, the Clean Air Act emerged from public and civil society pressure after the prolonged PM₂.₅ dust crisis. It proposes specific legislation to ensure citizens have the “right to breathe clean air” and obliges the state to take action when dust levels exceed standards.
Common Ground of Both Drafts
- Citizens' Right to a Good Environment – Both drafts affirm the fundamental right to live in a safe environment and require the state to disclose information to the public.
- Use of Economic Measures - Both acts adopt the “polluter pays” principle, utilizing mechanisms such as funds, taxes, fees, or carbon market mechanisms to incentivize all sectors to reduce pollution.
- Integrated Administrative Structure - There will be national-level committees to set policies and provincial-level committees to monitor implementation.
Key Differences
| Issue | Clean Air Act | Climate Change Act |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Air pollution – PM₂.₅, NOₓ, SO₂, VOC, and transboundary haze | Greenhouse gases – CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, covering all economic sectors |
| Goal | Protect public health and the right to breathe clean air within the country | Reduce GHG emissions for Thailand to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero by 2065 |
| Key Mechanisms | Air quality standards, monitoring systems, Clean Air Fund | MRV (Measurement Reporting Verification) system, carbon tax, ETS market, and carbon credits |
| Impact on Business | Factories, transportation, energy must control pollutant emissions according to standards | Industries and large companies must report GHG and establish their organizational Net Zero Pathway |
Business Perspective
If both laws are passed simultaneously, businesses will face “two layers of compliance.”
- First Layer: Control dust, smoke, odors, and pollutants to levels prescribed by law to ensure ambient air quality does not exceed standards and does not affect community health (Clean Air Act).
- Second Layer: Report and reduce carbon according to the MRV system. Organizations that prepare their Carbon Footprint measurement systems in advance will gain a competitive advantage and access Green Finance sooner (Climate Change Act).
Summary
“Clean air” is what we breathe today, while “climate change” is what we will pass on to the next generation.
These two laws are not redundant but are “jigsaw pieces” connecting the health of Thai people with the country's Net Zero goal.
🌍 Is your business ready for the new laws?
In an era where “clean air” is a public right and “carbon neutrality” is a global mission, Carbonwize bridges these two worlds. We help your organization transform legal obligations into business opportunities with a platform for measuring and reporting GHG, an automated MRV system compliant with legal standards, and consulting services from expert teams to prepare your organization for the Climate Change Act and Clean Air Act.
📧 Contact the Carbonwize team: Contact Us
Read related articles
- What is an MRV system? Explained in 5 minutes for business owners
- How will the new “Clean Air Act” change Thai life and business?
- When the Climate Change Act comes into force, will all companies have to report carbon?
- Climate Change Act: New Law Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know
Sources: Parliament.go.th, DCCE.go.th
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