The DPC expects the chemical leak into the Khan River in Laos will not affect Thailand, but is closely monitoring it.

Bangkok, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department. Chemical incident expected 'Sulfuric acid' flows into the Khan River. Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR, does not affect the water quality of provinces along the Mekong River in Thailand, with ONWR believing the chemicals will dilute before reaching Thailand. But we have coordinated and closely monitored the situation. Ms. Preeyaporn Suwannakes, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, said that Order Pollution Control Department officials to continuously monitor the quality of the Mekong River water in Loei Province. From an accident where a chemical truck overturned causing sulfuric acid to flow into the Khan River In the Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR, on April 3, 2024, the distance from the incident location is approximately 293 kilometers from Chiang Khan District, Loei Province. This has been coordinated with the National Water Secretariat (ONTRO), which has informed that As the chemicals move through the Xayaburi Dam, they wi ll dilute before reaching Thailand. But the Pollution Control Department is monitoring and coordinating with the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to closely monitor the situation. The National Water Resources Office issued an announcement regarding monitoring the impact on water quality in the Mekong River from the aforementioned incident, stating that chemicals moving through the Xayaburi Dam on April 5, 2024 will cause the chemicals to be diluted. It will then move into Thailand (Loei Province) during the period 8 - 10 April 2024 and from the initial assessment it is expected that it will not affect the water quality of the Mekong River in Thailand. National Water Resources Office As the Secretariat of the National Mekong River Commission, Thailand has been following the situation and coordinating with the Secretariat of the Mekong River Commission. Consider coordinating with the Lao PDR in managing water from the Xayaburi Dam. to dilute chemicals As well as assigning relevant agencies in Thailand to measur e water quality and continuously report the situation to the provinces. Prepare to deal with such situations. and request that the provinces of Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani Please publicize the water situation in the Mekong River. and warn people traveling and conducting activities in the Mekong River area aquatic fisheries Including those who live in the said area. Follow the water situation closely. and preparing to monitor the impact of water quality in the Mekong River Until the situation returns to normal. Source: Thai News Agency