Prasit Calls for Urgent Meeting to Address Arsenic Contamination in Kok River

Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Prasert has initiated an urgent meeting at Government House to tackle the arsenic contamination issue affecting the Kok River in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. The contamination has significantly impacted the public. According to Thai News Agency, Prasert Chantararuangthong, who is also the Chairman of the National Environment Commission, has appointed a subcommittee to address water quality problems in surface water sources. Prasert will chair this subcommittee, with Ms. Thirat Samretwanich, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and Deputy Minister of Interior, serving as vice-chairmen. Representatives from related agencies will also join the subcommittee to address the issue systematically and swiftly. The subcommittee's primary goal is to analyze the situation, investigate contamination causes, and develop solutions to rehabilitate the affected areas and alleviate public suffering. They also aim to engage in discussions with foreign countries, particularly Myanmar, to control pollution sources outside Thailand. The first subcommittee meeting is scheduled for 27 May 2025 at Government House. The agenda includes reviewing reports from relevant agencies and considering additional measures, such as implementing a sediment trap system in the Kok River to reduce arsenic spread and formalizing Thailand's position in discussions with Myanmar. Previously, agencies have monitored water and sediment quality in the Kok River, assessing contamination in aquatic life and human bioaccumulation using innovative satellite and geospatial technology. Diplomatic and military cooperation, especially through the Regional Border Committee (RBC), has been employed to coordinate with Myanmar to address the issue's source. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the government is committed to resolving public issues and aims to achieve tangible results promptly.