Monday October 13, 2025
Bangkok Post —
Deputy Prime Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow pledged to resolve transboundary pollution along the Kok River in Chiang Rai through diplomatic talks and a local committee to safeguard public health.
Capt Thamanat, also Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, emphasised the urgency of addressing chemical contamination flowing from upstream tributaries across the Myanmar border into the Kok River during his visit over the weekend.
He said the issue would be raised at the next cabinet meeting, while urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national security agencies to initiate formal diplomatic engagement with Myanmar.
To mitigate the impact on local communities, Capt Thamanat instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to expedite plans for a sediment-trapping weir near Mae Ai district.
“This will help filter pollutants before they reach Chiang Rai’s water supply,” he said. He also directed relevant departments to test water, soil, and aquatic life to ensure safety for consumption and to identify alternative water sources for residents.
A provincial-level committee will be established to oversee the issue, comprising local leaders and agencies. The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health and environmental integrity, stating, “This is a real concern for our people, and we will not turn a blind eye [to it].”
In addition to environmental concerns, he distributed agricultural resources to flood-affected farmers, including land title deeds, fish breeds and organic fertiliser. He also reviewed local proposals for water resource development, such as restoring Nong Luang and a solar-powered water-pumping system from the Kok River.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomklin, also the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, on Monday expressed concern over the long-standing turbidity of the Kra Buri River in Ranong, caused by mining activities in Myanmar’s Karen State.
The Pollution Control Department confirmed elevated sediment levels but no toxic heavy metals in recent tests. Diplomatic coordination with Myanmar is underway to address the issue through the Regional Border Committee, said the minister.