The mystery of the "Black Water Canal" has caused local residents to suffer for over 10 years due to polluted water and a pervasive foul odor, a crisis still awaiting answers about its true cause.
What was once a natural canal serving as an important water source for locals has turned into a polluted canal, causing distress for more than a decade.
The waterway stretching over 10 kilometers from the main canal to Nong Suang Canal in Phanat Nikhom district, Chonburi province, was originally a natural canal vital for locals' consumption, agriculture, and community life. However, this canal has repeatedly experienced abnormal conditions.
Some days the canal water is clear as usual, but on others, it turns black and foul-smelling, leading residents to question what is truly happening. This problem has persisted for over 10 years, yet no clear explanation for the root cause has emerged. SEE TRUE news team visited the area to find answers and help solve this problem for the community.
Interviews with locals about the black water problem revealed that the dark water emits a strong stench; passing by on a motorcycle, one can smell a pungent chemical odor all day. The canal is only 10 meters from the road, and the smell is so intense it is unbearable.
When asked about the impact on locals using the canal water, residents said that in the past, the canal had many fish, but after the water turned black, the fish disappeared except for shocker fish. Even when fish are present, locals do not dare to eat them.
Regarding why the water is black some days and not others, locals explained that the black water is released to flow along the canal. When it turns black, the entire stretch is affected, starting from the upstream canal. During rainfall, the water may not be black, but without rain, the blackness returns.
After gathering this information, the team surveyed the canal area alongside local representatives following the issue, who provided key clues.
When asked about her perspective, "Belle," a source tracking this issue, said the black water is caused by human activities, specifically wastewater discharge occurring in short overnight periods.
"At the Nong Suang weir, on the worst black water days, lab tests showed no heavy metals but detected organic substances, bacteria, and toxic oxygen levels, making it impossible for aquatic life to survive. This shows the water flows from Nong Irun side into Muen Nang Jing."
The news team continued exploring the canal’s flow path for about 3 kilometers up to the weir reportedly affected by the black water.
The source added that this area is the Nong Jek Weir. Google Earth clearly shows the canal water here is black, and recently in 2026 after the election, someone recorded the black water.
After surveying the canal, the local representative informed us of a location suspected to contribute to the canal's pollution and foul odor: a large private landfill site that prohibits outside access.
Our team then explored the surrounding area and spoke with nearby residents. When asked why no one dared to provide information, the source explained that ordinary citizens feel reluctant to get involved.
"There was a story that when someone went to talk, they were asked what amulet they were wearing and why they dared to discuss the black water issue. It's been a long-standing problem, and no one dares to investigate."
The news team visited the location locals identified as a "garbage dump." During the survey, no garbage smell was detected, but chemical odors were present. Evidence included a 200-liter glue drum dumped into the canal, raising suspicion that this might cause the black water.
Since the area is private property, the team could only survey around it and found another canal on the opposite side. While surveying, they saw an excavator dredging the canal to improve water flow.
At the same site where dredging occurred stood a large garbage pile taller than a warehouse, but entry was not possible due to private ownership.
The team sought and found the landowner, a local person willing to allow the SEE TRUE team to inspect all points within the landfill area.
In an interview, Mr. Boo, the landfill manager, was asked if industrial waste or chemicals were ever dumped there. He denied it, saying there are no chemicals and speculated that odors arise during the winter when recycled waste is handled, which has led to complaints.
When asked if authorities have inspected the site, Mr. Boo said inspections occurred but did not pass. He was questioned at the central investigation and the province ordered closure. The site stopped accepting waste but continued recycling, which has now paused due to high oil prices.
Mr. Boo confirmed there is no wastewater discharge into the canal. This 30-year-old landfill is an old site with a circulation system, unlike new landfills that have plastic liners and treatment ponds. They use stone layers to try to contain leakage, but some may escape.
When asked what causes the black water, Mr. Boo said it comes from washing the waste, which is normal and has occurred for a long time, especially during the rainy season.
When pressed whether the black water could be caused by the waste, Mr. Boo replied, "Try tracing it thoroughly from source to outlet. When your team wants to inspect, I allow you to come and see."
Although the exact source of the black water remains unconfirmed, the issue raises concerns among residents, particularly about long-term effects on water quality and the environment.
The news team therefore interviewed Areerat Singthothong, Mayor of Nong Irun Subdistrict Administrative Organization. to address residents' complaints and discuss investigation and solutions.
The mayor spoke about the decade-long black water problem, explaining that the waterway receives flow from multiple areas converging here, including factories and pig farms, among other factors.
Regarding suspicions about lax law enforcement, the mayor said that upon complaints, authorities conduct field inspections, require operators to improve, and order pig farms to stop operations. They respond promptly whenever residents complain.
Asked how to assure residents that black water will not return, the mayor said the factors are difficult to control. They monitor the area and catch trucks illegally dumping water, sending offenders to the police. Both small and large vehicles are involved.
When asked if there is fear among locals to speak out due to influence or intimidation, the mayor stated the area is peaceful and family-oriented. While some may dislike official work, if residents have evidence of factories discharging waste, they are encouraged to report it without fear. Authorities regularly conduct inspections.
Today, the source of the black water canal remains unclear, but what is clear to residents is the changed water condition and the problems they have faced for years.
The key question is who is responsible for what has happened, and whether government investigations can truly find answers. If operators remain irresponsible and allow repeated problems without resolution, the canal that was once a vital community water source may be lost forever, leaving only a black water canal no one dares to use.
Follow #SpecialNews on the hard-hitting variety news show that investigates, verifies, and reports from all areas, revealing every truth every Saturday at 6 p.m. on Thairath TV Channel 32.