Chiang Rai: Riverside vendors in Chiang Rai are disheartened after the Kok River became contaminated with chemicals. Entrepreneurs of riverside stalls are facing problems with losing customers after the Kok River became contaminated with chemicals used in mining from neighboring countries.

According to Thai News Agency, at the Kok River beach, under the Ban Nong Dan Bridge, Tambon Doi Hang, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, the discovery of chemical contamination has raised health concerns about playing in or touching water from the Kok River directly. The Kok River, under the Ban Nong Dan Bridge, was a popular spot that attracted tourists last year during the summer and Songkran Festival, comparable to other tourist attractions. This year, however, more than 80% of customers have not returned following reports of chemical contamination in the river.

Some entrepreneurs have taken down their shops and rafts that served customers on the Kok River due to the significant drop in tourist numbers. The financial burden has become too much to bear, even though it is still during the Songkran festival.