How Thailand is tackling Myanmar’s toxic river threat
Thailand is stepping up efforts to tackle toxic pollution flowing into its northern rivers from Myanmar, as heavy metal contamination threatens public health and the wider Mekong River region.
The Thai Cabinet has approved two sets of measures to deal with the crisis after pollution was detected in the Kok and Sai rivers, which run through northern Thailand from Myanmar.
Experts say the contamination, believed to come from mining activity across the border, poses serious health risks to nearby communities and could affect the larger Mekong River system if left unchecked.
On July 15, the government said it would take action both inside Thailand and through international cooperation.
The decision follows advice from the National Human Rights Commission, which urged stronger protections for communities affected by cross-border pollution.
Locally, Thai agencies will step up water testing and provide free health checks to residents living near the contaminated rivers.
Clean drinking water will be supplied, and long-term plans are being developed to secure safe water sources.
The government also pledged funding to clean up the affected rivers and protect nearby forests and wetlands.
Meanwhile, Thailand will begin diplomatic talks with Myanmar in a bid to stop the pollution at its source.
Officials said they would seek help from other countries in the region and review domestic laws to strengthen future responses to cross-border environmental threats.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been named the lead agency to oversee the response and must report progress to the Cabinet within 30 days.
Authorities fear the pollution could hurt not just public health but also farming, tourism, and biodiversity in the area.
A report last month by the Ministry of Health warned of rising cases of illnesses linked to heavy metals in parts of northern Thailand.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
