The Prime Minister revealed that Sihasak is set to discuss cross-border toxic contamination with Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's Foreign Minister, on 12 November after the Sai River was found heavily contaminated with arsenic and heavy metals. Meanwhile, the Provincial Waterworks Authority is rushing to find alternative water sources to produce replacement tap water.
At 3:45 p.m. on 9 Nov 2026 at the Government House, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, commented on the Sai River in Chiang Rai province turning red and turbid, with arsenic and heavy metal contamination exceeding standards by up to 28 times. He said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew is scheduled to travel to Myanmar on 12 November, where this issue will be among the topics discussed. Regarding tap water production, the Provincial Waterworks Authority is urgently sourcing uncontaminated water to produce replacement supply.
When asked about directives for the talks, Anutin said that Sihasak will have an agenda and approach for discussions with Myanmar's Foreign Minister. It is understood that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, will allocate time to meet with Sihasak. The Thai side has requested that the National Security Council and the Thai military command send senior representatives to join Sihasak's delegation.