Last week, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass the Clean Air bill, which would impose regulations to reduce pollution and improve air quality. If approved by the Senate, it would be the first law on air pollution management in Thailand.

While Chiang Mai has been facing an air pollution crisis, ranking among the world's most polluted cities between March and April each year, the local authorities and civil society are learning from past challenges and finding a way of addressing the issue.

The Supreme Administrative Court has accepted an appeal filed by the National Environment Board (NEB) against a ruling made by the Chiang Mai Administrative Court ordering the NEB to complete an air pollution management plan.

Academics, activists, medical professionals, and residents in Chiang Mai have filed a class action lawsuit against the Prime Minister and other government agencies for lack of action on air pollution, with the provincial capital now ranking among the world’s most polluted cities.