Chiang Mai: The Prime Minister has issued an urgent directive for all relevant parties, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the military, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to address the issue of contaminants exceeding acceptable levels in the Kok River. This move aims to restore public confidence and mitigate health impacts on communities along the river.
According to Thai News Agency, government spokesman Mr. Jirayu Huangtrakul highlighted the Prime Minister's concerns regarding the contamination's potential effects on the health and livelihoods of residents from the Thai-Myanmar border, Tambon Tha Ton, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province, and Chiang Rai Province. The Prime Minister has pinpointed mining activities in neighboring countries as a primary source of the problem. He has tasked Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, with overseeing the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's efforts to address the issue. This includes negotiations with neighboring countries to improve mining methods and prevent contaminant discharge into water sources.
Mr. Jirayu further detailed ongoing government actions, noting that various agencies have been actively tackling the contamination problem. The Office of National Water Resources recently convened a meeting involving the Military Border Affairs Department and other stakeholders to discuss and drive actions aimed at resolving international river water quality issues. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Agency (GISTDA) has utilized satellite data from the past eight years to monitor soil disturbances in Myanmar, linking them to increased turbidity in affected areas. This data has been forwarded to relevant departments for further action.
Efforts to manage contamination sources include a meeting organized by the Pollution Control Department to coordinate environmental data and satellite imagery analysis with multiple agencies. Agreements have been made to synthesize data on environmental indicators and health impacts, and to explore more environmentally sound mining practices in Myanmar. Additionally, the Army Engineer Unit plans to dredge a three-kilometer section of the Kok River to prevent heavy metal spread and ensure clean water supplies.
In terms of monitoring environmental quality and health impacts, agencies will increase the frequency of water and sediment sampling in the Kok River and its tributaries. The Department of Fisheries has already conducted aquatic animal sample tests, finding no heavy metal contamination. The Department of Health's tests on tap water and urine samples from affected areas also showed contaminant levels within standard ranges.
Moreover, a subcommittee led by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong has been established to address water quality issues in surface water sources. Upcoming discussions at the Regional Border Committee meeting in Kengtung, Shan State, aim to include the Kok River pollution issue as a key agenda item. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also engaging with Myanmar to seek collaborative solutions.
Mr. Jirayu reassured that the government remains committed to resolving the Kok River contamination, as ordered by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, emphasizing the urgency of addressing public concerns and ensuring the well-being of affected communities.