After eight years as a general practitioner in some of Thailand’s poorest and most remote regions, he obtained a master’s degree and PhD in anthropology at Harvard University.
He now works at the Ministry of Public Health as an anthropological doctor, blending medical research with studying human behaviour.
“MY PROBLEM TOO”
Wirun’s pollution worries led him to a panel discussion in Bangkok on the issue in 2019, and the conversations evolved into CAN, which has spent several years advancing clean air legislation.
More than 20,000 people backed the group’s call for action – surpassing the threshold for public-initiated legislation – and a draft bill passed the Thai parliament’s lower house in October.
“We need to make emitters responsible,” Wirun said.
But that goal is facing a new hurdle after Thailand’s prime minister dissolved parliament this month, putting the bill on hold.
Still, the measure could be brought back after general elections early next year, if there is political will, according to Weenarin Lulitanonda, CAN’s co-founder.
“In Thailand, and particularly in the very highly uncertain political environment, one of the things that Thais are certain of is a huge amount of uncertainty,” she said.
“Right now, honestly, it’s anyone’s guess. We really don’t know until general elections are held.”
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-air-pollution-environment-activists-5725091
