The government has acknowledged progress in addressing transboundary pollution in the Kok and Sai Rivers, moving forward with rigorous water quality monitoring, protecting public health, and accelerating coordination with Myanmar.
On 17 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the Cabinet acknowledged a report summarizing the review of recommendations for measures or approaches to promote and protect human rights related to transboundary environmental issues regarding pollution contamination in the Kok and Sai Rivers from Myanmar, as proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The Deputy Spokesperson explained that this issue is significant because the National Human Rights Commission reported that pollution contamination in the Kok and Sai Rivers is worsening, primarily caused by gold and rare earth mining at the headwaters in Shan State, Myanmar. Hazardous chemicals used in production processes have resulted in soil and mineral waste contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury flowing into the main river systems and entering Thailand, affecting water quality, the environment, and local residents' health.
Following joint consideration by relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Public Health, Budget Bureau, Office of National Water Resources, National Water Resources Committee, Upper Mekong River Basin Committee, and other related bodies, the overall conclusion is that the government has accelerated continuous domestic and international measures.
Regarding environmental quality monitoring, the Pollution Control Department has implemented a plan to continuously measure water and sediment quality in the Kok and Sai Rivers and related areas by testing for heavy metals in water twice monthly and collecting sediment samples monthly since March 2025. The data is publicly available on the Pollution Control Department’s website, along with regular public communication materials to inform residents about risks, including providing preliminary arsenic testing kits.
On the public health front, the Ministry of Public Health has continuously conducted surveillance and screening of health impacts on at-risk populations. The Department of Disease Control has developed health checkup and risk screening plans and established proactive surveillance systems in the area. Meanwhile, the Department of Health has tested village tap water quality along the Kok and Sai Rivers, finding many areas still within standard limits, and has communicated results and safe water use recommendations to residents and local administrations.
For clean water provision, the Provincial Waterworks Authority and local agencies closely monitor raw and tap water quality, distribute potable water to at-risk communities, and plan to improve village water supply systems for greater long-term efficiency.
Regarding agricultural and fishery impacts, relevant agencies have conducted ongoing field inspections. The Rice Department, Department of Fisheries, and Department of Agricultural Extension have tested sediment quality, aquatic animals, and agricultural products using water from the Kok and Sai Rivers. Current test results have not found heavy metal contamination exceeding food safety standards set by the Ministry of Public Health.
In terms of restoration and budget support, the Pollution Control Department has requested central budget support and allocated specific budgets for 2026–2027 to systematically implement measures addressing and restoring water sources. Simultaneously, the Upper Mekong River Basin Committee has appointed a task force to drive transboundary water quality issue solutions and approved 14 water quality improvement projects totaling a budget of 188.36 million baht, to be submitted for funding consideration.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that on international cooperation, Thailand has held ongoing discussions with Myanmar at technical and state levels, including joint meetings on contamination exceeding standards in the Kok River. Both sides agreed to establish a joint scientific working group to exchange water quality data and explore the feasibility of collaborative field surveys based on scientific principles. An official proposal is currently being prepared for submission to Myanmar.
“The government prioritizes protecting public health and the rights of communities affected by transboundary environmental issues by advancing environmental quality monitoring, public health care, clean water provision, agricultural and fishery impact tracking, and cooperation with neighboring countries to ensure effective and sustainable solutions,” said Ms. Lalida.