Bangkok will switch entirely to electric buses by 2030 in anti-pollution drive.

Pen-pushers at the Bangkok City Council approved a draft city code aiming to remove the traditional fuel-powered buses for electric vehicles by 2030.

The green initiative was proposed by the Move Forward Party and hurdled the second and third readings with unanimous approval on October 4.

Pattaraporn Kengrungruanchai, the Move Forward councillor for Bangkok's Bang Sue district, said that the policy is envisioned to benefit future generations as it will lead to a significant reduction in PM2.5 fine dust emissions from buses.

She also urged the government to support the burgeoning electric vehicle industry, which she said has the potential to generate jobs in the manufacturing and technology sectors, as well as attract foreign investments.

The switch to cleaner energy is expected to benefit more than 10 million residents in Bangkok.

However, Bangkok governor Chadchat Sittipunt said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will seek the advice of the Council of State to review the code.

The BMA's legal affairs office said it was unsure if the City Hall's had authority to enforce the code.

Deputy Bangkok governor Jakkapan Phiewngam said that City Hall is prepared to replace its own buses.

However, legal issues must be addressed because the buses fall under the supervision of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport.