Amid the escalating PM2.5 dust crisis that significantly impacts public health, awareness of air pollution has become an unavoidable public health issue. Recently, at the Techsauce Healthspan Festival 2026, Thailand's largest health ecosystem event, Daikin Industries (Thailand) Co., Ltd. showcased its vision as a leader in air innovation, emphasizing that a long and healthy life (Healthspan) begins with the "air" we breathe every second. During the lecture session titled "Surviving Under the Shadow of PM2.5: Healthspan and Air Quality", Mr. Itti Phuworawong, Product Research and Development Manager, highlighted that while most people monitor PM2.5 levels outdoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) is often overlooked, despite its direct impact on health, such as nasal congestion or difficulty breathing upon waking. To address this issue, Daikin and the Clean Air Association of Thailand introduced the "IAQ Star" standard, a comprehensive assessment criterion for indoor air quality covering five key dimensions: temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, PM2.5 dust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to concretely define what constitutes "good indoor air."

“Today, many people focus on outdoor dust levels, but in reality, ‘indoor air’ is what we are exposed to the longest each day. If good air cannot be measured, we cannot manage it effectively. This is why the IAQ Star standard is crucial in creating a new understanding that good air must have clear indicators and must be properly managed,” Mr. Itti stated. As an “Air Solution Provider” with future air innovations, Daikin has evolved from merely being an air conditioning manufacturer to a full-fledged “Air Solution Provider,” offering comprehensive technology to meet the IAQ Star standards, including advanced air filtration systems, ventilation systems to bring fresh air into buildings, and precise sensing systems. These technologies work together to create an environment that promotes good health while considering energy efficiency to sustainably enhance the quality of life for residents.

Mr. Itti further added, “Daikin’s role today goes beyond providing comfort; it is about designing an ‘air system’ that comprehensively meets living needs and optimizes comfort, ventilation to reduce carbon dioxide, and high-efficiency air purification to provide clean air that is suitable for all uses. Daikin offers superior air solutions with exclusive technology like Streamer, which helps eliminate pathogens on filters, working alongside the Electrostatic HEPA filter that captures dust smaller than 2.5 microns, ensuring that the air circulating in rooms is truly clean and safe.”

Collaborating with Experts to Elevate Thai Industry Standards The uniqueness of this event was marked by the presence of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prapat Pongkiatkul, President of the Clean Air Association of Thailand, who served as a speaker to provide academic insights affirming the importance of indoor air standards. This collaboration between Daikin and the Association represents a significant step in establishing air industry standards in Thailand, shifting the focus from merely cooling to creating clean and safe air according to international principles. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prapat also added,

“From random inspections of over 300 buildings nationwide, it was found that most buildings meet the standards and prioritize this issue, although about 30% still need to improve their air management systems for greater efficiency. The Association is therefore pushing the ‘IAQ Star’ standard to serve as a safety certification symbol for buildings, shops, and hotels, ensuring consumers are in spaces with truly clean and safe air. Especially in 2026, we will face the Super El Niño phenomenon, which will lead to drier air and more severe dust. Adapting and learning to systematically manage air quality is an urgent matter that cannot be overlooked.”

In line with this recommendation, Mr. Itti emphasized the necessity of more holistic and systematic air quality management.
“Systematic management of indoor air quality is becoming increasingly important as it directly relates to the well-being of many people. It’s not just about temperature; we must also consider other environmental factors, including PM2.5 dust, humidity, and appropriate ventilation. Daikin has the technology ready to support comprehensive clean air solutions for everyone’s well-being,” Mr. Itti concluded.

Good air quality is the foundation of a long life. “If we want to extend the period of good health or Healthspan, the first thing we must do is manage the air we breathe.” Daikin Thailand remains committed to developing technology that not only provides cooling but also serves as a solution for the health of the Thai people, aligning with the main concept of the Healthspan Festival 2026, which aims to position Thailand as the Health & Wellness Hub of Asia.