Sihasak revealed he will fly to Myanmar on 12 November to urgently discuss solving pollution problems in the Kok and Sai Rivers, and establish a joint committee to address the prolonged impacts from mining activities in Shan State.
At 13:50 on 11 Nov 2026 at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puwaketkaew said his visit to Naypyidaw, Myanmar on 12 November will cover multiple topics. First, he aims to learn about the latest political developments in Myanmar to relay this information to other ASEAN foreign ministers at their upcoming meeting before the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippines, scheduled for 16–18 November.
Sihasak said the second topic will address the border area situation. Thailand is concerned about cross-border fighting involving gunfire or bombings affecting Thai civilians. It is an understood agreement that Myanmar's military operations should not impact Thai territory or civilians, and this understanding will be reaffirmed.
“We truly want to see a reduction in violence in Myanmar because less violence would create a better atmosphere for internal reconciliation. This is a demand both Thailand and ASEAN have made,” he said.
Sihasak noted the third issue concerns cross-border trade. Thailand wants smoother trade flows but there are still obstacles related to import permits, which is a concern. Lastly, regarding pollution in the Kok and Sai Rivers, recent reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment show the situation is quite severe. This likely relates to mining activities in Myanmar, which will require further examination. Discussions have been ongoing, especially after Myanmar’s leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, visited Thailand. An agreement was made to form a working group to oversee water quality in these border rivers. A meeting is planned for late November to urgently address and resolve the worsening situation.
When asked if it would be difficult for the Myanmar government to engage with Shan State authorities about mining, Sihasak said the Myanmar government must oversee its internal affairs, especially mining, since this is a long-standing problem affecting Thai border residents. With water quality deteriorating due to toxins, improving it is challenging, so urgent talks are necessary.