Thread: Cyanide contamination of water in Kok River feared, testing underway

Hmm. So what would they say/do if tap water, fish, and vegetables were not safe for consumption?

Government urged to address transboundary river contamination with China

The government has been told to treat the transboundary pollution problem in the Kok River, in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, as a serious national security threat because the toxic discharges from mining activities in Shan state of Myanmar are threatening people’s livelihoods.


“This is no different from a border conflict, in which people are at risk of developing cancer. Millions of people will be affected, although no people have died yet. This is a long-term problem and people of an entire village may fall sick,” claimed Dr. Lalita Hanwong, a history lecturer at the Faculty of Social Science, Kasetsart University, during an informal public hearing held Wednesday in Ban Karen Ruam Mit in Mae Yao sub-district, Chiang Rai.

The event was organised by the Senate committees on political development and public participation, human rights, rights and liberties and consumers protection. A number of academics and local people were invited to attend.


An expert on Myanmar’s internal affairs, Dr. Lalita criticised the Thai government for not treating the transboundary pollution problem seriously enough.


She said that the government must not just offer assurances to the people of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai that the tap water is safe for consumption, but it must approach the Red Wa, who are associated with the United Wa State Army, to address the problem of the discharges of arsenic and other heavy metals from the mines in areas under their control.


The government must also approach China, because the mines are owned by Chinese investors, said Lalita, as she noted that existing mechanisms, such as the Thai-Myanmar Border Committee and the Regional Border Committee, cannot cope with the problem because they do not cover the ethnic minority forces.


Thailand, she said, must not view China as a “big brother” in this context, but as a party which must be held accountable for the mining activities and which is failing in its duty of good governance.


Dr. Sathian Chantha, of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Rajabhat University (Chiang Rai campus), said that the most worrisome aspect of the transboundary pollution is the quantity of heavy metals in the rivers, including the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong, which will have long-term impacts on the health of people who rely on them for water and fish.


He said that community-based organisations have already taken steps to address the problem, while the government is yet to take any material action since the problem emerged more than two months ago.


Dr. Sathian questioned the government’s declaration, namely that the quality of water in the rivers has improved, as being contrary to reports from the Pollution Control Department.


Villagers of Mae Yao sub-district told the forum that boat operators and floating restaurant owners have been hardest hit, because tourists, both foreign and local, have disappeared since mid-April.

Government urged to address transboundary river contamination with China

Chiang Rai Residents Warned Over Toxic Levels of Arsenic in Kok, Sai, and Mekong Rivers

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has reported that recent water testing has revealed arsenic contamination above safe limits in every spot checked along the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers.


This pollution comes from mining operations in Myanmar’s Shan State, where chemicals like arsenic are used to extract minerals with little oversight. Toxic runoff flows across the border into Thai rivers, putting local communities at risk.


Main Findings


Gold and metal mines in Myanmar use arsenic in processing, which then enters the river system.
No effective controls stop this polluted water from entering Thailand.


A monitoring plan for 2025 includes water testing twice a month and sediment testing once a month from May to September.
Testing at 15 sites along the Kok River found arsenic over the limit at every location, with a peak of 0.023 mg/L.
The Problem


Northern Thailand now faces a serious environmental issue. Tests have found arsenic in all sampled locations in the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers, exceeding safety standards. The source is upstream mining in Shan State, Myanmar, where arsenic and other chemicals are used without strong regulation. During heavy rain, contaminated soil washes into streams, which then flow into Thai rivers, carrying the pollution with them.


The Pollution Control Department (PCD) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is monitoring key river basins in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Sampling points include 15 along the Kok River (codes KK01-KK15), with checks also on tributaries: Fang, Lao, Korn, and Suai rivers. The Sai River has three test locations, and the Mekong has two. These checks target areas most at risk from cross-border pollution.


Monitoring Plan for 2025


The schedule for 2025 covers March to September. Water samples will be collected twice monthly, and sediment samples once a month from May to September. The aim is to track arsenic levels and other pollutants, and to understand possible effects on health and the environment.

Kok River Results: All Sites Above Safe Limits


Samples from 15 sites show arsenic above the safety limit of 0.010 mg/L in all locations:


KK01 (Thai-Myanmar border, Tha Ton, Mae Ai, Chiang Mai): 0.016 mg/L
KK02 (Friendship Bridge, Mae Ai): 0.017 mg/L
KK03 (Mae Salak, Mae Ai): 0.015 mg/L
KK04 (Ban Ja Doe, Doi Hang, Mueang, Chiang Rai): 0.022 mg/L
KK05 (Mae Yao-Doi Hang Bridge, Mueang, Chiang Rai): 0.022 mg/L
KK06 (Pong Nakham, Doi Hang, Mueang, Chiang Rai): 0.023 mg/L
KK07 (Doi Hang Bridge, Mueang, Chiang Rai): 0.016 mg/L
KK08 (Mae Fah Luang Bridge, Rob Wiang, Mueang, Chiang Rai): 0.018 mg/L
KK09 (Chaloem Phrakiat 1 Bridge, Rob Wiang, Mueang, Chiang Rai): 0.020 mg/L
KK10 (Chiang Rai Dam, Rob Wiang, Mueang, Chiang Rai): 0.022 mg/L
KK11 (Rim Kok-Wiang Nuea Ruam Jai Bridge, Wiang Chai, Chiang Rai): 0.020 mg/L
KK12 (Yonok Nak Nakorn Bridge, Mae Khao Tom, Mueang): 0.015 mg/L
KK13 (Tha Khao Pluak, Mae Chan): 0.015 mg/L
KK14 (Nong Pa Kor, Doi Luang): 0.015 mg/L
KK15 (Ban Saeo, Chiang Saen): 0.013 mg/L
Tributaries (Fang, Korn, Lao, Suai) met the safety standards.


Sai River: High Arsenic at All Three Sites
SA01 (Ban Hua Fai, Mae Sai, Chiang Rai): 0.027 mg/L
SA02 (Second Friendship Bridge, Mae Sai): 0.038 mg/L
SA03 (Ban Pa Sang Ngam, Ko Chang, Mae Sai): 0.031 mg/L
Mekong River: Both Sites Over the Limit
NK01 (Wiang, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai): 0.018 mg/L
NK02 (Ban Saeo, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai): 0.014 mg/L


Key Points from the Analysis


High arsenic and turbidity were found in border areas with Myanmar, matching patterns seen with upstream mining activity.


Arsenic in the Mekong may be linked to flow from the Sai and Ruak rivers. More checks are needed upstream in Laos to confirm sources.


The start of the rainy season increases sediment and pollutant runoff, spreading arsenic and raising contamination across all tested points.


The Pollution Control Department will continue testing, with the next round of sampling already done in June 2025. Results will be shared with the public to help guide protective measures for communities that rely on these rivers for daily living. Further action will depend on these findings to help reduce health risks and limit environmental damage.

Chiang Rai Residents Warned Over Toxic Levels Of Arsenic In Kok, Sai, And Mekong Rivers

Concerns rise over Kok River check dam’s ability to reduce toxic substances

A water resource engineering professor and an environmental advocate have expressed concern over the ability of check dams, to be built across the Kok River in Chiang Rai province, to trap toxic substances discharged from mining operations in Shan state of Myanmar.

Dr. Sitang Pilailar, a professor at the Water Resource Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering at Kasetsart University, said that sedimentation is a normal process in watercourses and the building of a check dam, to promote sediment settling, may do more harm than good and check dams are usually built in streams, not rivers.


She said, if a check dam is meant to be temporary and easily washed away by strong currents, as envisaged by government officials, the concentrated sediments will spread further downstream. To build a permanent check dam, she said more study must be undertaken, including on the location of the dam(s), she added.


Dr. Sitang also said the government should think about how it will deal with and dispose of the toxic sediments collected from the riverbed.


She cited the case of the contamination of a creek in a village in Kanchanaburi by unregulated discharges from lead mining operations, noting that the Pollution Control Department has been unable to tackle the problem after it was ordered to do so by the court several years ago.


So long as the mines in Shan state continue to discharge toxic waste into the river, she said that there is only a slim chance that the contamination of the Kok River can be resolved.

Somkiat Kuenchiangsa, of the Living River Siam Association, warned that building check dams will have impacts on the ecological system of the Kok River and its tributaries and, ultimately, people who rely on the river as a source of water for consumption and agriculture will be affected.


Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich said the Thai government is waiting for a response from Myanmar regarding a proposal for bilateral discussions on the contamination of the Kok River.


She noted, however, that China is the key to solving the problem, because most of the mines in Shan state are operated by Chinese investors.


She is supportive of the check dam concept, though, noting that they can be built and repaired easily.

Concerns rise over Kok River check dam’s ability to reduce toxic substances

Fisheries Dept. Clarifies Lumps Fish in Chiang Rai’s Rivers Are Caused by Flukes

On Monday, the Department of Fisheries increased monitoring for pollution in the Sai and Kok Rivers, expanding from 4 to 22 checkpoints. These areas now cover both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.


The move follows reports and images of Pla Kae fish with red lumps on their bodies, which raised concerns about possible toxic contamination and food safety.


Thitiporn Laoprasert, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, said the extended checks aim to address worries about pollution and its impact on the environment, local fish stocks, and public health. This comes after residents saw red lumps on Pla Kae, leading some to worry about eating fish from local rivers.


Buncha Sukkhaew, the department’s Director-General, ordered stricter monitoring of fish for pollutants in the border rivers. Teams will now monitor 22 locations, especially in high-risk areas, and will check samples every two weeks to keep track of any changes that could affect fish health and consumer safety.

During recent sample collections from the Kok and Mekong rivers in Chiang Rai (14-15 June 2025), the Department of Fisheries gathered fish from six locations. The catch included 28 Pla Kae, as well as several other local species. Most fish appeared healthy, except for two young Pla Kae showing red lumps on their skin.


Microscope checks revealed that these lumps contained many fluke parasites and some transparent leeches on the fins. Around 7 per cent of the Pla Kae caught showed signs of infection, making this species a common host for the flukes found.


Local fishers, experienced in catching fish in these rivers, said that red lumps on Pla Kae have appeared for many years and only show up on smaller fish. Most locals continue to eat fish as usual, though some were worried at first. After learning the facts from the Department of Fisheries, residents feel more confident about eating fish from the rivers.


The Deputy Director-General explained that fish flukes occur naturally and can be killed by cooking fish thoroughly. The Department of Fisheries will keep monitoring the rivers closely. They also plan to work with other agencies to test fish health and check for pollutants. Information will be shared with the public often to help everyone feel safe about eating local fish.

Fisheries Dept. Clarifies Lumps Fish In Chiang Rai's Rivers Are Caused By Flukes

This is Googun translate from local traffic radio Facebook page.


Arsenic levels above standard found in 2 children in Mae Ai, believed to be caused by eating fish from the Kok River - authorities ordered to cover up news, MPs and academics urged the government to urgently plan to cope with the risk - recommended to build a water treatment pond for villagers

Today (7 July 2015), a source from Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province revealed that the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) has announced the results of heavy metal testing of 4 villagers in Kaeng Sai Moon Village, Tha Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province, which is the first village where the Kok River flows from Shan State, Burma to Thailand. Urine samples were collected since 19 May 2015. The results showed that 2 children, aged 6 and 2, had abnormally high levels of arsenic in their bodies. From inquiries, it was found that both children regularly ate fish from the Kok River.

The source said that in fact, the results of the abnormally high arsenic levels found in the 2 children had been known for some time, but the PHO did not want to disclose this matter yet. They have coordinated with Mae Ai District, and the district has informed the village headman of Kaeng Sai Moon.

In order to obtain more details about the two children, the provincial authorities have ordered Mae Ai District and the district has ordered the village headmen and assistant headmen not to release this information to reporters, claiming that it will cause panic among the villagers. The source said that in fact, in addition to arsenic exceeding the standard, the heavy metals in the Kok River also exceed the standard. However, in the past, the testing for various impacts has focused only on arsenic. The same goes for urine testing for arsenic, because if lead and manganese are to be tested, the Provincial Health Office should also take blood from villagers in the risk group. “Right now, both the village headmen and local organizations are feeling stressed because they are being pressured by both the province and the district to try to make the impacts from the toxins in the Kok River a small matter, even though they have had a huge impact on the villagers, whether it be drinking water, food, or farming. All of these problems are there, but the authorities have no systematic plan to solve the problems, which makes the villagers feel very uncomfortable. Even if they want to go out and protest, they can’t do the same thing anymore. The authorities have banned everything,” said the source.

Mr. Somdul Utcharoen, Chiang Mai MP for the Prachachon Party, said that he had initially learned from locals that arsenic levels in two children were unusually high, but he did not know the details of how high the levels were. He said that this information should not be concealed. The public should be informed immediately so that they can protect themselves and deal with the situation. The government should also plan to conduct health checks on people along the entire Kok River, especially those at risk, and find measures to resolve and provide relief. In addition to arsenic, other heavy metals should also be checked, because don’t forget that lead levels above the standard were found in the Kok River in Tambon Tha Ton.

Mr. Somdul said that since March 17, 2025, when locals complained to have the Kok River inspected, and heavy metals from mining in Shan State were found, about 3 months have passed and there has been no progress in solving the problem from the government. The government has only reported the results of the inspections, but has not provided any solutions to the problem or provided assistance to the villagers.

“Soon, at least 9 opposition MPs will gather all the information and hold a press conference to discuss the situation and solutions. We must quickly resolve the problem because the villagers are very stressed right now. We need to assure the villagers who are worried that there is something that can help them,” said Mr. Somdul.

The Chiang Mai MP of the Prachachon Party also said that in fact, the area along the Kok River should be declared a disaster area so that people can be helped, but the province has not done so. He wants to call on the government to compensate the affected villagers.

“Today, the people of Tha Ton cannot use water from the Kok River. As for the 146 artesian wells, the villagers are not confident because even though some agencies have inspected and reported that water can still be used, many of the wells are shallow artesian wells that are at risk of water from the Kok River flowing in. Therefore, the government should find a way to treat the villagers’ water to ensure their water use because nowadays some villagers have to buy water to use,” said Mr. Somdul.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sathien Chanta, a lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, said that the detection of arsenic above the standard in humans means that this heavy metal has entered people, but the extent must wait for the test results to be disclosed.

Government agencies should not conceal it. Claiming to be afraid that villagers will panic is not a good reason because the villagers should be informed so that they can manage their lives, whether it is prevention or resolution.

“Government agencies should urgently develop risk response plans in all areas, whether it is health, agriculture or fisheries, so that there will be measures to solve the problem in the future. It is not about hiding information because of pressure from the political parties that are shaking,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Sathien.

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= No one in the government gives a shit about villagers in Mae Ai and conspired to cover up the problem.

Originally Posted by misskit

= No one in the government gives a shit about villagers in Mae Ai and conspired to cover up the problem.

And the problem is more widespread than they admitted.

The number of unregulated and uncheck rubbish dumps nationwide is going to lead to massive ground water contamination imo, the Thais and Chinkies are dumping all sorts of toxic shit in dumps nationwide.

there other issues beyond last mae kok upstream on mekong14 experts meetin at c kong last week.

Originally Posted by misskit

= No one in the government gives a shit about villagers in Mae Ai and conspired to cover up the problem.

The problem is the military, up each others' backsides so they can exploit the border areas. The teak is long gone.

Any responsible government would be summoning ambassadors, pointing out that the killing of citizens, quickly or very slowly, is an act of war. Get it sorted or we'll bomb it, then occupy it and make it a no-go buffer zone.

Then I woke, and found myself in the real world. MK is right, the government cares not at all. Then how far down the rivers must this poison reach before they pay attention?