Bangkok: Senators have called on the government to tackle the alarming transboundary water pollution crisis, citing arsenic levels in the Mekong River that exceed safety standards by nine times. Senator Manirat Khemavong, along with colleagues Mr. Noraset Prachyakorn and Mr. Sunthorn Phruksapipat, addressed this issue in a press conference focusing on the contamination affecting the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong River basins.

According to Thai News Agency, Senator Khemavong highlighted the severe pollution emanating from nearly 1,000 gold and rare earth mines in Shan State, Myanmar. This pollution, resulting from inadequate waste management systems, has led to the discharge of dangerous heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and cadmium, into critical water sources. The contamination has spread across several provinces in Thailand, impacting both upstream and downstream regions and threatening the health and livelihoods of millions over the past year.

Fieldwork conducted with the Senate Committee on Political Development and other local activities revealed widespread impacts. The agricultural sector faces risks from using contaminated water, while riverside tourism businesses have seen a significant decline in revenue. The local fishing industry suffers from consumer distrust due to abnormalities in seafood, leading to warnings against consuming certain fish products.

The contamination also poses a risk to potable water, affecting over 70,000 households. Although the Provincial Waterworks Authority attempts to treat water to meet safety standards, the increased costs are challenging. The Prime Minister's recent visit to Chiang Mai brought attention to these issues, but tangible progress remains limited.

Senators proposed six urgent measures to address short-term challenges, including budgetary support for monitoring, enhancing measurement capabilities, securing alternative water sources, and installing community water treatment systems. Additionally, they urged the government to provide relief to affected sectors and establish a working group under the Senate's Committee on Political Development to study transboundary pollution management.

Senator Noraset Prachyakorn emphasized the worsening situation in the Kok River due to new rare earth mines. He called for increased government attention and assistance for affected areas, urging visits and support for residents along impacted rivers.