Chiang rai: A civil society caravan arrived at Chiang Rai Provincial Hall on Friday to submit a petition to the Prime Minister, urging immediate government action on transboundary toxic pollution from mining operations in a neighboring country.
According to Thai News Agency, the "Dharma March to Protect Rivers" - covering the Kok, Sai, Ruak, Mekong, and Salween rivers - was led by a Buddhist monk and a chemistry academic from Chiang Mai University. The group traveled by boat along the Kok River to collect water and sediment samples to test for chemical contamination.
Coinciding with World Environment Day, ethnic groups, students, and environmental activists gathered at a public park to highlight the plight of riverside communities. Residents reported living with arsenic contamination in five major rivers for over a year.
The network issued three key demands to the government, urging officials to designate the transboundary arsenic contamination as a national agenda item and to utilize international mechanisms to negotiate with Myanmar and China for upstream mining inspections. Additionally, the group called for stricter monitoring and control of mineral imports and exports.
The group submitted an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister through local lawmakers and government representatives.
In response to the developments, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand released a statement regarding civil society concerns over Mekong tributary pollution. An embassy spokesperson stated that the Chinese government prioritizes environmental protection and mandates that Chinese enterprises operating abroad strictly comply with environmental regulations. The spokesperson added that China would not sacrifice local environments for economic benefit and will legally address any violations.