Chiang Mai: From the Kok River flowing from Myanmar to the Sai River on the Thai side, there has been a disturbing discovery of arsenic contamination that exceeds acceptable standards by several times, posing a significant environmental and public health challenge for Thailand.

According to Thai News Agency, mining engineering scholars have identified chemical leaching from mining activities as a major contributor to this contamination. The presence of arsenic in the water has alarmed both local communities and environmental authorities, urging the Thai government to prioritize this issue.

The contamination has been traced back to the mining processes in the region, where the use of chemicals has led to arsenic seeping into the waterways. This has resulted in a crisis that requires immediate intervention to prevent further environmental degradation and health risks to the affected populations.

Efforts are now underway to address the contamination, with the government considering stricter regulations on mining practices and exploring remediation methods to clean the affected rivers. The urgency of the situation is evident as authorities work to ensure the safety and health of communities relying on these water sources.