Policies and Practices for Environmental Health Services in Thailand: Surveillance, Prevention, and Management of Diseases and Health Threats Caused by PM2.5

Abstract

Thailand has recently faced a worsening PM<inf>2.5</inf> crisis, with the air quality fluctuating between safe and unsafe levels. Professionals trained in occupational and environmental health manage integrated environmental health services with geographic information systems to mitigate the health impacts of PM<inf>2.5</inf>. Both active and passive measures are employed for the surveillance, prevention, and management of diseases and health threats caused by PM<inf>2.5</inf>, thereby ensuring that communities maintain good health in safe environments. Although these practices align well with the environmental characteristics of a country, several challenges remain. This study examined the policies and practices of environmental health services in Thailand using policy analysis and surveillance systems review to gather information, focusing on safeguarding the health of the population affected by PM<inf>2.5</inf> pollution. This study could show Thailand's approach to establishing environmental health services, especially the collaboration between workplaces, communities, government agencies, and health service units, offers a valuable model for other large developing nations. However, its effectiveness is highly dependent on the participation of all sectors of society and a system for monitoring and assessing the situation through continuous evaluation. Moreover, effective law enforcement and unwavering efforts to raise public health awareness in occupational and environmental health are essential for achieving sustainable success.