Bangkok: The government acknowledged the progress in addressing transboundary pollution in the Kok and Sai rivers, and will continue to intensify water quality monitoring and protect public health. The government is also coordinating with Myanmar to propose the establishment of a joint Thai-Myanmar working group to exchange information on water quality monitoring and conduct joint field surveys.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet acknowledged the summary report on the consideration of recommendations for measures or guidelines to promote and protect human rights in the event of transboundary environmental problems, specifically regarding pollution in the Kok and Sai rivers originating from Myanmar, as proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The deputy spokesperson stated that the issue is significant because the National Human Rights Commission has reported that the pollution situation in the Kok and Sai rivers is worsening. The main cause is gold and rare earth mining upstream in Shan State, Myanmar, which may involve the use of hazardous chemicals in the production process. This results in soil and mine waste contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, which flow into the main rivers and into Thailand, affecting water quality, the environment, and the health of people in the area.
Following joint consideration by relevant agencies including the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the Budget Bureau, the National Water Resources Office, the National Water Resources Committee, the North Mekong Basin Committee, and other related agencies, the overall conclusion is that the government has continuously accelerated the implementation of both domestic and international measures.
In terms of environmental quality monitoring, the Pollution Control Department has established a plan for continuous monitoring of water and sediment quality in the Kok River, Sai River, and related areas. This includes measuring heavy metals in water twice a month and collecting sediment samples once a month, starting from March 2025. The information will be disseminated through the Pollution Control Department's website, and public awareness materials communicating risks to the public will be regularly produced. Furthermore, a service for preliminary arsenic testing using test kits will be provided.
In terms of public health, the Ministry of Public Health has continuously implemented measures to monitor and screen for health impacts on the public in at-risk areas. The Department of Disease Control has developed a health check and risk screening plan, along with a proactive surveillance system in the areas. Meanwhile, the Department of Health has inspected the quality of village tap water in areas along the Kok and Sai rivers and found that many areas still meet standards. The test results have been communicated, along with advice on safe water use, to the public and local administrative organizations.
Regarding the supply of clean water, the Provincial Waterworks Authority and local agencies have been closely monitoring the quality of raw and treated water, distributing water for consumption to residents in at-risk areas, and planning to develop more efficient village water supply systems in the long term.
Regarding the impact on the agricultural and fisheries sectors, relevant agencies have continuously conducted field inspections. The Department of Rice, the Department of Fisheries, and the Department of Agricultural Extension have inspected the quality of sediment, aquatic life, and agricultural produce in areas using water from the Kok and Sai rivers. The results so far have not revealed heavy metal contamination exceeding the food standards set by the Ministry of Public Health.
In terms of restoration and budgetary support, the Pollution Control Department has proposed requesting central government funding, including a specific budget for 2026-2027, to implement systematic measures to address the problem and restore water sources. Meanwhile, the North Mekong Committee has appointed a working group to drive the resolution of transboundary water quality issues and approved a plan of 14 water quality improvement projects totaling 188.36 million baht, to be submitted for further budget approval.
The deputy spokesperson further stated that, regarding international cooperation, Thailand has continuously held discussions with the Myanmar side, both at the technical and state-to-state levels. Joint meetings were held to discuss the issue of excessive contamination in the Kok River, and both agreed to establish a joint technical working group to exchange water quality monitoring data and consider the feasibility of conducting joint field surveys based on scientific principles. Currently, a formal proposal is being prepared to be submitted to the Myanmar side.
'The government prioritizes protecting public health and the rights of communities affected by transboundary environmental issues. This is being done through environmental quality monitoring, public health care, the provision of clean water, monitoring the impact on agriculture and fisheries, and coordinating cooperation with neighboring countries to ensure concrete and sustainable solutions,' Ms. Lalida said.