The Prime Minister affirmed that China and Myanmar are willing to collaborate on resolving toxic pollution in northern rivers. He revealed that Thailand has already raised concerns regarding both water and border issues. He recently led a delegation departing for the Philippines.
At 15:49 on 14 November 2026 GMT+7. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. He gave an interview at Military Airport 2, Wing 6, Don Mueang district, Bangkok, before departing for Manila, Republic of the Philippines, to attend the 49th ASEAN Summit, the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and other related meetings.
Anutin revealed that in bilateral talks with Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the People's Republic of China, during the official visit to Thailand, they discussed resolving toxic contamination in northern rivers, with plans for working-level meetings. Meanwhile, from Myanmar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sai Hsok Puangketkaew has visited, with toxic river pollution among the main topics discussed. All parties now recognize the danger, and although Thailand is downstream, we have emphasized our distress over this issue.
At the same time, we must find alternative water sources to produce potable water for the people in affected provinces as soon as possible. The Provincial Waterworks Authority has already taken some action. We cannot simply wait to identify the pollution's source because it will take time to eliminate the toxins, and people will suffer in the meantime. Therefore, we must urgently seek other water resources to support the population.
Regarding the trip to attend the 49th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, the Prime Minister stated that Myanmar's top leaders could not attend due to ongoing problems. However, on a bilateral level, after Deputy Prime Minister Sai Hsok met with Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing, they were warmly received. He believes that the cooperation framework is in place, and Thailand has fully communicated its concerns about the border situation and armed ethnic groups to Myanmar, clarifying the acceptable limits of tolerance. He emphasized that everyone is aware of the situation.
