Stories from Chiang Rai · Thailand

Thai authorities are investigating water contamination in the Kok River in northern Thailand. The pollution has caused skin rashes and other health issues among residents. Officials are considering the possibility of cross-border pollution originating from Myanmar.

Health issues including rashes and other ailments are being recorded in the Kokkriver Basin and Chiang Rai Province. Thai authorities are reportedly in discussions with the Myanmar regime regarding transboundary pollution.

Authorities in northern Thailand have issued warnings that the Kok River is poisoned. Detected substances include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and mercury. Testing included water, sediment, soil, and agricultural products across seven different locations. Concentration levels increase as the river approaches the Myanmar border. Van Viria stated that these metals are released during the mining of gold and rare earth elements. The substances are described as an unused byproduct that is released into the environment. Researchers are working with the American Stimson Center to investigate the cause of the contamination. Other health problems were also recorded in the Kok River region and Chiang Rai province. Officials are in discussions with the Myanmar regime regarding transboundary pollution. An investigation commission is expected to be established to address the contamination.

Toxic substances from rare earth mineral mines are entering rivers, including the Kok River in northern Thailand near the Myanmar border. Authorities have issued warnings that the river is poisoned, potentially affecting local crops such as pumpkin, corn, and garlic. China maintains a monopoly on the processing of these minerals and owns many mines in other countries, including Myanmar. The pollution poses a risk to food supplies as toxins may enter the agricultural cycle. 59-year-old farmer Tip Kamluye reported farming along the Kok River banks before the recent contamination warnings.