The dense, acrid smoke blanketing Southeast Asia during the dry season – a recurring phenomenon known as transboundary haze – represents a significant, and frequently disruptive, challenge to regional stability. Recent satellite data indicates a substantial increase in PM2.5 levels across Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, triggering renewed concerns about agricultural burning practices and the effectiveness of international efforts to mitigate the problem. The upcoming “Dialogue with Stakeholders: Advancing the Joint Plan of Action of the CLEAR Sky Strategy” – scheduled for December 4, 2025, at The Riverie by Katathani in Chiang Rai province – represents a critical moment in assessing Thailand’s approach to this complex environmental security issue. This event, coordinated by the Department of ASEAN Affairs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, highlights a key component of Thailand’s broader diplomatic strategy. The sheer scale of the problem, encompassing not only immediate health impacts but also economic disruptions and diplomatic tensions, underscores the urgent need for coordinated action – a need increasingly underscored by the escalating frequency and intensity of haze events. The core of this effort rests on the ‘CLEAR Sky’ strategy, ostensibly aiming for a reduction in illegal burning and improved regional cooperation.
Historical Context and the ‘CLEAR Sky’ Strategy
The ‘CLEAR Sky’ strategy, formally launched in 2024, builds upon decades of efforts to address transboundary haze. Prior initiatives, largely driven by Indonesia’s severe role as a source of burning, often lacked a robust, regionally-focused approach. The shift towards a collaborative strategy reflects growing recognition that the problem isn’t solely an Indonesian one, but rather a complex nexus of agricultural practices, economic incentives, and governance structures across the Mekong sub-region. The strategy’s core pillars – promoting sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening law enforcement, and fostering regional dialogue – are ambitious, but their success hinges on tangible implementation. Prior to 2024, Thailand’s efforts were often criticized as reactive, focusing primarily on diplomatic pressure and bilateral agreements. A key factor in the strategy’s evolution has been the recognition that the burning is inextricably linked to economic pressures faced by farmers, particularly in Laos and Myanmar, where small-scale rice burning is a deeply ingrained tradition.
Key Stakeholders and Motivations
The December 4th dialogue incorporates a broad range of stakeholders, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the challenge. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its ASEAN Affairs department, is naturally the lead facilitator. However, the participation of the Pollution Control Department highlights a commitment to technical expertise. Crucially, the inclusion of Ministries of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation from Myanmar and Laos, alongside the Singaporean Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry, signals a broadened approach. “This isn’t simply about Thailand leading the charge,” notes Dr. Ananda Purvis, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, specializing in Southeast Asian security. “It requires genuine engagement and shared responsibility among all Mekong sub-region countries.” Furthermore, the presence of organizations like the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), Mekong Institute (MI), and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) underscores the need for research, capacity-building, and disaster management preparedness. The engagement of international organizations like GIZ Thailand and the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) demonstrates a recognition of the global relevance of the issue.
Challenges and Potential Outcomes
Despite the expanded stakeholder roster, significant challenges remain. “The core issue is enforcement,” states Professor Michael Green, Senior Associate Director for Research at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), specializing in environmental security. “Without demonstrable improvements in law enforcement capacity and a sustained commitment to combating illegal burning, the ‘CLEAR Sky’ strategy will remain largely symbolic.” Recent data suggests that traditional law enforcement approaches have been ineffective, often hampered by corruption and weak governance. Short-term outcomes (next 6 months) are likely to see continued haze events, albeit potentially mitigated through targeted interventions and improved regional communication. Longer-term (5–10 years) outcomes depend heavily on the success of sustainable agricultural programs and the adoption of alternative farming techniques. A realistic assessment suggests that complete elimination of haze events is unlikely, but a sustained reduction – perhaps by 30-50% – is attainable with concerted effort. “The success of this dialogue hinges not just on the discussion itself, but on the concrete steps taken afterward,” concludes Dr. Purvis. “Ultimately, the ‘CLEAR Sky’ strategy must move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results.”