Bangkok: "Ratchaklao" has called on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to cease "idling" in its approach to transboundary toxic substance issues, advocating for a 5% budget reduction, system overhaul, and the promotion of "science diplomacy."

According to Thai News Agency, during a House of Representatives meeting to discuss the draft budget bill for fiscal year 2027, Ms. Radklao Intawong Suwannakiri, a list-based Member of Parliament from the Democrat Party, criticized the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's (MNRE) budget allocation. She highlighted the ministry's inadequate measures in addressing transboundary toxic contamination from rare earth mining in neighboring countries, which has started affecting river basins in northern Thailand. Ms. Radklao emphasized the need for a strategic shift from symptom management to pollution prevention at its source.

Ms. Radklao pointed out that the chemical and heavy metal contamination crisis has now spread from the Kok River to the more significant Mekong River, underscoring the urgency of tracing and managing the pollution source systematically. She noted a lack of proactive strategy in the MNRE's budget allocation, with projects like the 83.9276 million baht initiative focusing primarily on water quality monitoring rather than addressing pollution sources directly.

The MP emphasized that while monitoring systems are crucial, they do not prevent toxins from reaching water bodies. She criticized the current budget allocation as a fragmented solution that perpetuates a cycle of reactive measures, with significant funds spent on addressing pollution effects rather than its causes. She cited efforts by other government bodies, such as the Provincial Waterworks Authority's 2.2 billion baht allocation for relocating water sources, as indicative of a misplaced focus.

Ms. Radklao stressed the importance of preventive measures, particularly for communities relying on natural water sources, and criticized the focus on infrastructure development over pollution prevention in the Kok River basin. She proposed three solutions to shift the approach from reactionary to preventative:

1. Utilizing "science diplomacy" to address transboundary pollution by employing scientific data for international negotiations and cooperation with upstream countries.

2. Implementing Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP) to regulate industrial and mining sectors.

3. Increasing cross-ministerial integration, sending experts to oversee pollution management at its source.

Ms. Radklao also urged the House of Representatives to cut the MNRE's budget by 5% to refocus efforts on preventative measures. She argued that the ministry should lead in environmental protection by addressing pollution sources rather than relying on expensive monitoring systems.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Radklao emphasized the need for efficient resource use, asserting that public funds should target root causes of environmental issues to minimize long-term damage, health risks, and financial burdens on the national budget.