The Spatial Impact of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Pollution on Economic Growth from 2012 to 2022: Evidence from Satellite and Provincial-Level Data in Thailand

This study examines the spatial relationship of PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations across provinces in Thailand and explores the relationship between socio-economic factors and PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels from 2012 to 2022. The study results indicate that PM<sub>2.5</sub>...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Thanakhom Srisaringkarn, Kentaka Aruga
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Urban Science
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/4/110
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Summary:This study examines the spatial relationship of PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations across provinces in Thailand and explores the relationship between socio-economic factors and PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels from 2012 to 2022. The study results indicate that PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution in Thailand is spatially clustered, meaning that PM<sub>2.5</sub> spills over into nearby provinces and is not confined to a single area. The factors that positively affect PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations include population density and energy consumption per capita, while industrial density has a negative effect on PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels. Additionally, an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) analysis found that the Gross Provincial Product (GPP) per capita has a U-shaped relationship with the PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration. In the initial stage of economic growth, as the GPP per capita increases, PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations gradually decrease. However, once income reaches USD 56,715 and the economy becomes significantly large, further increases in GPP per capita lead to rising PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations. In other words, during the early phase of economic development, PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution does not intensify significantly. However, once Thailand’s economy reaches a certain scale, continued economic expansion exacerbates PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution, leading to greater economic and social consequences. The study highlights the importance of integrated collaboration among various organizations in mitigating the widespread impacts of PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution.
ISSN:2413-8851