The governor of Loei province visited Chiang Khan district to collect water samples from three points along the Mekong River. The samples were found to be within standard limits. He confirmed that "Pla Kae" fish with bumps are safe to eat, explaining that tests showed the bumps were caused by fluke parasites, which are harmless if the fish is cooked thoroughly.
On 24 April 2026 in Loei province, reporters reported that yesterday (23 Apr 26) at 5:00 p.m., Mr. Chaiphot Jaroonpong, governor of Loei province, along with relevant agencies, went to the Mekong River bank opposite Wat Pho Chai, Chiang Khan subdistrict, Chiang Khan district, to follow up on the case of "Pla Kae" fish found with abnormal bumps on their bodies, raising public concern about food safety.
During this site visit, Loei province coordinated with fisheries, environmental, and local administrative agencies to urgently verify the facts. The Office of Environment and Pollution Control Region 9 collected water samples from three points in the Mekong River: Ban Kok Ngiu in Pak Tom subdistrict, the Chiang Khan village area, and Kaeng Khut Khu rapids, to test for arsenic. Preliminary test kit results showed arsenic levels at all three points were 0.005 milligrams per liter, within surface water quality standards, indicating the water quality remains at a safe level.
Meanwhile, contaminant tests on "Pla Kae" fish as part of surveillance from September 2025 to February 2026 by Central Laboratory (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Khon Kaen branch, found no arsenic contamination in the fish.
Regarding the "Pla Kae" fish with bumps found in Chiang Khan district, Loei province, as reported in online media on 22 April 2026, representatives of local fishermen submitted samples to Naresuan University for examination. The bumps on the fish resemble those found in Chiang Rai province. According to information from the Department of Fisheries and Dr. Kankanit Phismayrom, chair of the Fisheries Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment at Naresuan University, the bumps are caused by "fluke parasites" in the Digenea group, which are not harmful to consumers if the fish is cooked before eating.
The governor of Loei stated that the province prioritizes the health and safety of its people. He has instructed all districts along the Mekong River to intensify public awareness campaigns through all channels. If any abnormal aquatic animals are found, the public is urged to report to authorities and submit the fish to government agencies for systematic analysis of diseases and contaminants.