Activists Demand Action on Cross-Border River Pollution
Activists gathered at the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok on July 8 to demand action on cross-border river pollution affecting Thailand and Myanmar, while also calling for an investigation into police use of force during earlier protests.
BANGKOK — On July 8, 2026, activists gathered outside the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok to submit demands urging the Chinese government to help resolve cross-border pollution and to investigate police use of force during a protest at the Chinese Consulate.
The demonstration was organized by the NGO Coordinating Committee (NGO-COD) and civil society networks. Protest leaders poured water collected from affected areas onto a map of Thailand and Myanmar to symbolically highlight environmental damage in the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong river basins.
Lertsak Kamkongsak, chairman of NGO-COD, read a statement urging China to prioritize resolving cross-border pollution. The statement referenced reports of contaminants in water sources and called for investigation into mining companies operating in Myanmar's Shan State. He emphasized that cross-border investment must be accompanied by environmental protection and corporate accountability to affected communities.
Toward the rally's conclusion, some participants wore masks depicting Wisarut Srichan, an activist injured during protests in Chiang Mai, to demand accountability and a transparent investigation into allegations of excessive police force. Leaders also called for a fact-finding inquiry through the House of Representatives.
The demonstration concluded peacefully. The Chinese Embassy announced it would close for half a day.
