Amid the escalating PM2.5 crisis that continues to severely impact public health, air pollution has become a critical public health concern. At the recent Techsauce Healthspan Festival 2026, Thailand’s largest health ecosystem event, Daikin Industries (Thailand) Ltd. presented its vision as a leader in air solutions. Daikin emphasized that achieving long-term health and longevity (Healthspan) begins with the “air” we breathe every second.

Unveiling the Hidden Risks of Indoor Pollution and Introducing the “IAQ Star” Standard

During the session titled "Surviving Under the Shadow of PM2.5: Healthspan and Air Quality," Mr. Itthi Poovarawong, Manager of Research ＆Development Division, highlighted a critical issue. While most people monitor outdoor PM2.5 levels, indoor air quality (IAQ) is often overlooked, despite its significant impact on health—such as nasal congestion or difficulty breathing upon waking. To address this, Daikin and IAQ organization introduced the “IAQ Star” standard, an indoor air quality assessment framework covering five key dimensions: temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), PM2.5, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), providing a clear and measurable definition of “healthy indoor air.”

"Today, many people pay close attention to outdoor air quality indices, but in reality, the air inside our homes is what we are exposed to for the longest periods each day. If air quality cannot be measured, it cannot be effectively managed. This is precisely why the IAQ Star standard plays a vital role in reshaping our understanding — that good air quality must be defined by clear, measurable indicators and maintained through the right approach," said Mr. Itthi.

Daikin as an “Air Solution Provider” with Future Air Innovations

Daikin has evolved beyond being an air conditioner manufacturer into a full-scale “Air Solution Provider.” Daikin offers integrated technologies aligned with the IAQ Star standard, including advanced air filtration systems, ventilation systems that bring fresh outdoor air into indoor spaces, and precise sensing technologies. These technologies work together to create an environment that promotes well-being, with consideration for energy efficiency, to sustainably enhance quality of life.

Mr. Itthi further added, "Daikin's role today goes beyond simply delivering comfort through cooling. It is about designing a complete 'air system' that addresses every aspect of modern living — working in an optimized, integrated manner across three key pillars: Comfort through cooling, Ventilation to reduce carbon dioxide levels, and high-efficiency air purification to deliver clean air that is both cost-effective and suited to every application. Daikin presents a superior air solution powered by its proprietary Streamer technology, which actively decomposes pathogens on filter surfaces, working in tandem with an Electrostatic HEPA filter capable of capturing particles finer than 2.5 microns — ensuring that the air circulating throughout the room is truly clean and safe."

Collaborating with Experts to Elevate Industry Standards in Thailand

A key highlight of this initiative is the collaboration with Asst. Prof. Dr. Prapat Pongkiatkul, President of the IAQ Association Thailand, who joined as a speaker to provide academic validation of indoor air quality standards. This partnership marks an important step in setting new industry benchmarks in Thailand, shifting the focus from cooling alone to delivering clean and safe air aligned with global standards. Asst. Prof. Dr. Prapat further shared the following recommendations:

“Based on inspections of over 300 buildings nationwide, most were found to meet the standard and showed strong awareness of this issue, though around 30% still require improvements in their air management systems. The Society is therefore promoting the ‘IAQ Star’ standard as a certified safety label for buildings, shops, and hotels, giving consumers confidence in clean and safe indoor air.

With the Super El Niño in 2026 expected to bring drier conditions and more severe dust levels, systematically managing air quality has become an urgent priority that cannot be overlooked.”

Echoing these recommendations, Mr. Itthi highlighted the need for a more holistic and integrated approach to air quality management.

"Systematic air quality management is becoming increasingly critical, as it directly impacts the health and well-being of a large number of people. Beyond temperature control, it is essential to consider other environmental factors, including PM2.5 dust particles, humidity levels, and adequate ventilation. Daikin offers comprehensive technologies to support clean air for everyone's well-being," concluded Mr. Itthi.

Good Air Quality is the Foundation of a Long and Healthy Life

Aligning with the core vision of Healthspan Festival 2026, which aims to position Thailand as a leading Health & Wellness Hub in Asia, Daikin remains committed to developing technologies that go beyond cooling, delivering solutions that actively support the health of Thai people.