Bangkok: Mr. Prasert Jantarawongthong, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has announced the formation of a subcommittee to tackle the water contamination issue in the Kok River, affecting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. He will chair the subcommittee, which aims to address water quality problems urgently. A meeting is scheduled for May 27 to discuss the implementation of a sediment trap system and to engage in dialogue with the Myanmar government regarding contamination issues.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prasert, also the Chairman of the National Environment Board, has signed an order appointing the subcommittee to address water quality issues in surface water sources. The subcommittee includes Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Ms. Thirat Samretwanich, the Deputy Minister of Interior, as vice-chairpersons. Relevant agencies will participate as subcommittees to analyze the situation and determine solutions for restoring contamination and reducing public hardship. The subcommittee will also work on negotiating with neighboring countries to control external pollution sources.
Previous efforts by relevant agencies have focused on continuous monitoring of water quality, sediment, and contamination levels in aquatic animals and humans. Innovative satellite and geographic information technology have been employed to identify sources of contamination, with diplomatic and military cooperation mechanisms, such as the Regional Border Committee (RBC) between Thailand and Myanmar, being utilized.
The government is emphasizing the importance of resolving these issues for the public’s benefit. The newly appointed subcommittee will expedite and oversee the implementation of resolutions. The upcoming meeting on May 27, 2025, at Government House will review the performance of relevant agencies and consider the establishment of a sediment trap system in the Kok River to mitigate arsenic contamination. Additionally, discussions will be held with Myanmar’s government to address the contamination problem.