Bangkok: Thailand has officially reached out to Myanmar, urging a collaborative effort to address the contamination issues plaguing the Kok River and Sai River. Ms. Thirat Samretwanich, Deputy Minister of Interior, expressed optimism about the potential for positive developments in resolving the environmental concerns affecting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thirat disclosed that the Thai government has sent a formal letter to the Myanmar government, which has already received a response. However, an official negotiation date is still pending as both nations seek to involve third-country collaborators and local mine operators to ensure a comprehensive resolution. Ms. Thirat emphasized the readiness of both Myanmar and China to collaborate fully, acknowledging the concerns raised by the Thai government and its citizens.

In terms of proactive measures, plans are underway for constructing dams that will filter contaminants and absorb residual sediment. These efforts will target key areas where toxin levels have exceeded acceptable standards. Local agencies have crafted a preliminary plan and are set to propose a budget to the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR). The overarching goal is to tackle the contamination issue at its source while fostering public awareness on handling water-borne toxins to safeguard community health. Officials have been tasked with conducting regular toxin inspections to monitor and mitigate future risks.