Four Chiang Rai MPs from the Kla Tham Party have urgently submitted a motion to establish a special committee to resolve the cross-border toxic contamination crisis. They demand a resolution regarding mining activities in neighboring countries after the Sai, Kok, and Mekong rivers have suffered severe contamination for three consecutive years, affecting public health.
At 10:00 a.m. on 12 Nov 2026 GMT+7, four Chiang Rai MPs from the Kla Tham Party—Mr. Sutheeraphong Wanchayathanawong, Ms. Monthicha Chaibaan, Mr. Surasit Chiamwijak, and Mr. Phitak Saengkam—jointly submitted an urgent motion to the House of Representatives. They requested the formation of a special committee to study, investigate, and seek solutions to the impacts caused by mining operations in neighboring countries, which have resulted in hazardous contamination of important water sources in Chiang Rai province.
Mr. Sutheeraphong stated that the issue involves unusually high levels of hazardous contamination exceeding standards in the Sai, Kok, and Mekong rivers. The situation has been worsening continuously over the past three years. The main cause is related to mining activities along the banks and midstream in neighboring countries, where chemicals are used during production processes. These pollutants then flow into natural water sources and affect downstream areas.
“The impact is not limited to damage to ecosystems and aquatic life; it directly affects the health and safety of people who rely on the water for consumption. Reports have detected pollutant levels in some residents’ bodies that exceed safe limits, causing significant concern about the community’s health,” he said.
Mr. Sutheeraphong added that local communities and networks have been actively demanding government agencies to address the problem, but no resolution has been reached. Moreover, there is a trend of expanding mining operations in the Mekong River basin, which could widen contamination issues and cause long-term consequences.
This urgent motion aims to push the House of Representatives to take a serious role in investigating and monitoring the problem by establishing a special committee. The committee would gather facts, coordinate with relevant agencies, study environmental and health impacts, and develop measures to resolve the issue and negotiate with neighboring countries for concrete solutions.
If the government and relevant agencies fail to act swiftly at the policy level, severe repercussions could affect lifestyles, community economies, ecosystems, and public health along the northern river basins, as well as in northeastern Thailand.
Additionally, other Kla Tham Party MPs have also co-signed this urgent motion to support serious efforts in addressing cross-border pollution and to protect citizens’ rights to access clean and safe water sources.