A Sakon Nakhon MP from the Kla Tham Party has submitted a request to the Industry Committee to urgently investigate the issue of a potash mining survey covering more than 560,000 rai, fearing impacts on agriculture and the environment. The MP demands the government provide written clarification and insists on public participation.
At 13:00 on 8 October 2026, Sakon Nakhon MPs from the Kla Tham Party—Mr. Chatree Laoprom, Mr. Sirapop Somphol, and Ms. Wongakeu Boonsol—submitted a letter to Mr. Karun Kucharongchai-kul, a Chiang Mai MP from the Kla Tham Party and member of the House Industry Committee, requesting an investigation into reports about a permit application for potash mining surveys in Sakon Nakhon Province.
Mr. Sirapop said that residents in Sakon Nakhon and several northeastern provinces are concerned by reports that foreign investors have been granted permits to survey potash deposits. He checked with the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Industry Office and the Ministry of Industry and was assured that no new survey permits have been issued.
However, the public still demands clear written confirmation and guarantees that no new permits will be issued. They worry that large-scale surveys and mining could harm the environment, living standards, and farming areas affecting hundreds of thousands of rai.
Mr. Sirapop said they brought the matter to the Industry Committee for joint investigation and clarification, affirming that Kla Tham MPs will stand with the public and farmers to ensure the most accurate facts are established.
Meanwhile, Ms. Wongakeu said people are concerned about potash mining on more than 560,000 rai because Sakon Nakhon relies heavily on agriculture. They fear impacts on green spaces, farmland, soil quality, and land subsidence.
She urged government agencies and companies to listen to the public and provide transparent information about regulations, conditions, pros, cons, and impacts. She emphasized that this is not opposition to development but that it must not disrupt local lifestyles and livelihoods.
Mr. Karun said he would raise the complaint with the Industry Committee chairman to invite relevant agencies and stakeholders to clarify the facts, especially regarding foreign investment data, and pledged to expedite the investigation.