Bangkok: An urgent meeting has been ordered by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to address the arsenic contamination in the Kok, Sai, and Mekong Rivers. The Minister emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and immediate action, instructing the Permanent Secretary to convene a meeting to expedite measures, including the creation of a sediment trap system, to tackle the issue.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has been actively monitoring the arsenic contamination levels in these critical public water sources, which have been found to exceed acceptable standards. On June 4, he assigned Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, to lead a meeting to oversee the progress in addressing the problem, following guidelines set by a subcommittee led by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chantarawongthong. This initiative aims to swiftly address public concerns.

Mr. Chalermchai highlighted that solving the toxic contamination problem requires an international consultation process, as the pollution source originates from a neighboring country. This approach, while necessary to maintain international relations, requires careful and timely actions.

The Ministry has implemented immediate protective measures, assigning the Department of Water Resources to design a sediment trap system to mitigate contaminant spread. Concurrently, the Pollution Control Department has been tasked with increasing the frequency of water quality and sediment measurements in the affected rivers to closely monitor arsenic levels.

As of the latest report on June 1, arsenic levels in the Kok and Sai Rivers continue to exceed standards in surface water and sediment, except for a section near the Chiang Rai Weir, where contamination has decreased. The water quality in the Lao, Korn, and Suai Rivers remains good, although sediment arsenic levels still pose a risk to benthic animals, human health remains unaffected.

The Minister has urged residents of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces to heed official warnings and avoid activities in contaminated waterways. He reassured that all agencies are diligently working to resolve the situation and restore quality of life to the affected communities as quickly as possible.