Bangkok: The government is moving forward with addressing the impact of contamination in the Kok River while simultaneously promoting land rights and community forests. Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, prioritizes addressing environmental issues, natural resources, and the quality of life of the people in a comprehensive manner. This is especially true regarding the impact of contamination in the Kok River, as well as issues of land rights for people in forest areas. The government is accelerating the integration of relevant agencies to resolve these problems systematically and continuously.
According to Thai News Agency, the deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, responded to urgent questions in the House of Representatives from Mr. Kriangyos Sudlapa, a list-based MP from the Bhumjaithai Party, who inquired about land rights and housing security for people in forest areas, and from Ms. Monthicha Chaibalan, an MP from Chiang Rai Province from the Kla Tham Party, who raised questions about the impact of contamination in the Kok River on health, tourism, and public confidence in the area.
The government established a working group to monitor the contamination problem in the Kok River since October 2025 and has been continuously coordinating with other countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent teams to neighboring countries to discuss concrete solutions under international cooperation to mitigate the impact on this important river in the region.
Regarding the monitoring of water quality and sediment residue, the Pollution Control Department continuously conducts scientific analyses to provide clarity and accurate understanding to the public. Meanwhile, considerations concerning the safety of aquatic life and health impacts will be carefully assessed by fisheries and public health agencies based on sound scientific principles.
Meanwhile, the government is accelerating efforts to secure alternative water sources for consumption. The Department of Water Resources, in collaboration with the Provincial Waterworks Authority, is establishing a backup water supply system for producing potable water in at-risk areas. They are also expediting well cleaning, improving village water supply systems, and supporting solutions in affected schools, temples, and communities to ensure that the public has sufficient and safe access to clean water.
Furthermore, the government prioritizes providing relief to those economically affected, particularly communities reliant on tourism and water activities, which have been impacted by declining confidence. The government will expedite the development of targeted and equitable assistance measures for those truly affected.
Regarding the issue of land rights, the government is accelerating the issuance of land titles to over 800,000 people, aiming for completion by 2027. This is to ensure secure housing and livelihoods for people in forest areas, coupled with the promotion of "community forests," which currently cover over 6 million rai and benefit more than 4 million people. The government is also fully committed to promoting the carbon credit system to generate income for communities.
Simultaneously, the government is expediting the resolution of electricity cost issues for residents in community forest areas. It has instructed residents in these areas to pay the same electricity rate as those using permanent meters, in order to reduce their financial burden and ensure fairness in access to basic government services.
"The government's priority is to ensure that people can coexist sustainably with natural resources, have a good quality of life, and receive fair treatment in all aspects, including the environment, health, land for cultivation, and economic opportunities. The government will continue to address these issues and will not abandon any citizen under any circumstances," said Ms. Lalida.