Bangkok: Dr. Tos, a prominent MP for Phrae from the Pheu Thai Party and chairman of the House of Representatives’ Public Health Committee, has voiced concerns over the government’s insufficient measures to address the PM 2.5 dust issue, which he associates with an increase in lung cancer cases.

According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Tossaporn Sereerak highlighted the alarming case of Ae “Pornthip Skidjai,” a female celebrity diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer, allegedly caused by PM 2.5 dust. He emphasized that lung cancer is not only linked to cigarette smoke but also to any inhaled substances that are not oxygen, which can lead to inflammation and eventually cancerous changes in lung cells. He suggested that wearing high-quality masks and exercising to boost immunity are crucial preventive actions individuals can take.

Dr. Tossaporn has called for more stringent government measures, particularly in regions prone to forest burning. He stressed the importance of enforcing burning bans, noting that even those who start fires are at risk of lung cancer due to smoke inhalation. He acknowledged that stricter measures might incur short-term costs but argued that the long-term benefits of reduced lung cancer cases and healthcare costs would outweigh these expenses.

Dr. Tossaporn expressed dissatisfaction with the current government efforts, admitting that they have been insufficient. He pointed out the challenges in regulating burning activities across vast forest areas and emphasized the need for more rigorous enforcement.

He proposed deploying soldiers to forest edges instead of keeping them in plains camps. This strategy could help monitor and prevent illegal burning activities. “I think that would be one way to solve the problem,” Dr. Tossaporn suggested, advocating for a proactive approach involving military oversight in vulnerable areas.