Chiang Rai:Prime Minister Suchart has directed the preparation of alternative water sources in response to the Mae Sai River's extreme turbidity and high arsenic levels, which have been found to be 25 times above the standard limit. The contamination is affecting the water supply system for 14 villages in Chiang Rai province.

According to Thai News Agency, the Pollution Control Department has been tasked with monitoring water quality and investigating the pollution source. Although water supply has returned to normal, concerns remain due to arsenic levels detected at 0.05 milligrams per liter, five times the standard limit for surface water.

The Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, Mr. Surin Worakitthamrong, reported that inspections revealed the river's water in the Huai Fai community had become intensely turbid, with turbidity levels reaching 14,000 NTU. This exceeded the capacity of the water filtration system, leading to a temporary suspension of water production by the Provincial Waterworks Authority. As a result, 14 villages in Mae Sai and Wiang Phang Kham subdistricts experienced disruptions in water distribution.

Further inspections and laboratory analyses are underway to confirm arsenic and heavy metal levels. A three-phase response plan has been implemented, focusing on urgent testing of raw water, medium-term development of new water sources, and long-term solutions such as additional backup sources like the Doi Hua Mae Kham reservoir.

Additionally, proposals include installing automatic water quality monitoring stations and cooperating with Myanmar to tackle transboundary pollution issues. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, has emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety and ensuring access to clean water.