A Green Criminological Framework for PM2.5 Pollution Prevention in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region

Abstract

Since PM2.5 pollution is often considered an environmental crime, this study proposes a green criminological framework for PM2.5 pollution prevention in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region based on the problem-solving approach for crime prevention. Three data collection methods were applied in this study: documentary research, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. There were 26 participants in total. Qualitative content analysis was employed to identify the significant patterns embedded in the collected data. According to the research findings, challenges to PM2.5 pollution mitigation were classified into three regulatory voids: political voids, institutional voids, and knowledge voids. Combining the possible solutions to the regulatory voids and suggestions from all three data sources, alternative solutions to the PM2.5 crisis were conceptualized into a green criminological framework for PM2.5 pollution prevention. The solutions are based on environmental crime prevention approaches, including socio-legal, regulatory, and social action strategies. These approaches emphasize the enhancement of environmental laws and law enforcement, investments in public infrastructure, land use planning, application of economic incentives and technological solutions, and public participation in pollution monitoring.