General Chaipruk acknowledged concerns about toxic substances affecting rivers and revealed that Myanmar is cooperating to accelerate problem resolution. He pointed out that mining sites are under the influence of multiple factions and noted that regarding border conflicts, Myanmar has promised to notify Thailand before operations and to move conflict lines further away.
At 09:55 on 13 Nov 2026 GMT+7, General Chaipruk Duangprapat, Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC), gave an interview at the Government House after accompanying Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Pukdeewanich, on an official visit to Myanmar to discuss with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's President. He reported progress to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, who has been briefed initially. Mr. Sihasak will formally explain the four discussion points and solutions.
When asked about approaches to resolving pollution and toxic substances in rivers affecting Thailand, General Chaipruk said he is concerned daily about this issue since serving as Army Chief of Staff, as it causes pollution and is complicated to resolve. Mr. Sihasak has already discussed with the Myanmar government that teams must be sent to address the problem promptly, including requesting cooperation from China to establish a water quality monitoring center. If Myanmar is ready, Thailand is prepared to enter the area anytime. He is personally ready to help solve the problem and stressed the need for urgent action. He has heard demands ranging from complete cessation of mining to dialogue and sending Thai experts to provide guidance. He believes all feasible topics will be discussed.
Regarding whether Thailand will suspend mineral imports from Myanmar, General Chaipruk said the working group should discuss this as he lacks details. On whether Myanmar has assured Thailand of coordination about mining in Shan State, he replied that Myanmar fully cooperates. However, since the mining area is influenced by multiple factions, contingency plans are needed to address the problem. Initial steps involve investigating the root cause by engaging the actual mine owners to understand the issue and how to fix it to avoid harming citizens of both countries and ethnic minorities. Mr. Sihasak has urged urgent resolution, and Myanmar officials will be dispatched with the Foreign Ministry to arrange talks as soon as possible.
Regarding the border conflict situation between Thailand and Myanmar, General Chaipruk revealed that on 12 Nov, Mr. Sihasak stated that Myanmar authorities have informed they will notify Thailand before any military operations and will move operations further away from the border line to minimize impact on Thai citizens.
When asked if the NSC has assessed whether fighting will continue, General Chaipruk said this issue is linked to one of the four negotiation points. He personally believes that talks require a reduction in military operations to create a conducive atmosphere. Normally, after the rainy season, fighting intensifies annually, but if negotiations start, Myanmar will likely reduce military activities to foster dialogue, which will ease border tensions.