Rapidly addressing arsenic pollution in Kok River, impacting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai cities from Thai government.
Breaking News: Thai Government Addresses Arsenic Contamination Crisis in Kok River
The Thai government has taken urgent action to address the arsenic contamination crisis in the Kok River, affecting residents in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces since March 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who also serves as Chair of the National Environment Board, has appointed a Subcommittee for Water Quality Management in Surface Water Sources. The subcommittee, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister himself, includes key government officials and agencies to devise solutions and restore contaminated water sources.
The mandate of this subcommittee is to analyze the situation, identify the causes, devise solutions, alleviate public hardship, and coordinate international negotiations to tackle cross-border pollution sources. They aim to not only mitigate the current crisis but also prevent future contamination incidents.
To this end, authorities have intensified water quality monitoring, aquatic life examination, and public health assessments. They are also employing satellite imagery and geospatial technology to trace pollution sources. In addition, diplomatic and military mechanisms through the Regional Border Committee (RBC) with Myanmar are being utilized to address pollution linked to neighboring countries.
The government plans to hold the first meeting of the subcommittee on May 27 at Government House. Agencies will present progress reports and consider measures such as installing sediment traps in the Kok River to reduce arsenic contamination. This project will also involve discussions with Myanmar's government to seek a sustainable joint solution.
The Department of Water Resources is collaborating with relevant agencies to urgently design and implement an underwater sediment trap weir in Chiang Rai's section of the Kok River. This aims to reduce arsenic and heavy metal concentrations before the water reaches communities, while maintaining environmental balance.
The highest recorded arsenic levels in the Kok River have been found in Mae Ai District, surpassing Thailand's legal limit of 0.01 mg/L. Areas near the confluence of the Kok and Mekong rivers have also shown unsettling arsenic levels. These findings highlight the need for immediate action to protect public health and the environment.
The Thai government's efforts demonstrate a commitment to addressing the crisis and ensuring the safety of its citizens. More details about the subcommittee's strategies, progress, and collaboration with international partners will be revealed in the upcoming meeting.
- The international community may be approached for assistance in addressing cross-border pollution sources, as the Thai government tackle the arsenic contamination crisis in the Kok River.
- In a bid to prevent future contamination incidents, the Thai government is employing environmental science and technology, such as geospatial technology and satellite imagery, to trace pollution sources more effectively.
- Industry and finance play a crucial role in this crisis response, with the government planning discussions about installing sediment traps in the Kok River, a project that will require significant investment and coordination.
- As the crisis unfolds, health and science experts are closely monitoring public health implications and examining aquatic life in the Kok River to gauge the extent of the contamination.
- The highest levels of arsenic have been found in the Mae Ai district, highlighting the urgent need for climate-change mitigation strategies, as this heavy metal is often associated with industrial activities and energy production.
