Industry Minister Orders Tighter Mining Oversight Nationwide
Thailand's Industry Minister has ordered stricter oversight of mining operations nationwide after toxic contamination was detected in the Kok River, with authorities confirming the pollution originates from areas outside Thai territory and
Industry Minister Verawut Silpaarcha has expressed concern over toxic and heavy metal contamination in the Kok River and ordered the Department of Basic Industries and Mining to strengthen oversight of mining operations nationwide and closely monitor the northern region to prevent a worsening situation. The minister emphasized that mining must coexist sustainably with communities and the environment, and that economic development cannot harm ecosystems—a core policy goal of the Industry Ministry. Department Director-General Adithat Waseenun reported that the agency has been conducting strict and continuous inspections of mining operations nationwide, particularly in the north, to ensure all operators comply with environmental protection and mitigation measures. Based on detailed spatial analysis, the department confirmed that current Kok River contamination originates from areas outside Thai territory, directly impacting water quality entering Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces. The department is providing technical and academic support to relevant agencies for targeted problem-solving and coordinating with the natural resources and foreign affairs ministries to address cross-border contamination. It is also supporting a United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project to apply international environmental management technology and standards to monitor contamination, conduct studies, and restore the Kok River basin. The department is reviewing amendments to mining import regulations to require declaration of mineral source information, ensuring that imported minerals originate from facilities meeting proper and internationally recognized environmental management standards, thereby strengthening oversight and preventing support for environmentally and socially irresponsible mining sources.
