Japan is supporting Thailand in addressing cross-border heavy metal contamination by developing a monitoring network spanning Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos to safeguard water quality. The initiative includes installing arsenic removal systems for community water supplies to protect public health.

On July 11, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin directed the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to advance cooperation with the Japanese government and international organizations to expedite solutions for water pollution and transboundary heavy metal contamination. The collaborative effort seeks to coordinate Thailand, Myanmar, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic in surveillance, monitoring, and systematic water quality management to reduce immediate public health impacts while establishing foundations for long-term joint management.

Dr. Surin Vorakitthummrung, PCD Director, revealed that on July 10, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Thailand, the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) met with the PCD to establish cooperation frameworks for addressing transboundary water pollution. The initiative prioritizes protecting water sources in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Mekong River Basin to ensure safe public water access, while promoting a water quality monitoring network across Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.

Initial collaborative efforts will see the PCD and UNIDO jointly develop an integrated arsenic management plan, provide water quality test kits with training for agencies and communities to strengthen community-based monitoring systems, and install arsenic filtration systems for village water supplies. Field missions to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are scheduled for July 16-17, 2025, to consult with provincial governors and relevant agencies for concrete implementation.

Dr. Surin added that the PCD is also collaborating with JICA on a Third Country Training Program (TCTP) proposal to enhance the capacity of officials from Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos in monitoring water quality and sediment in transboundary rivers, leading to a robust and sustainable expert network and joint surveillance system across the Mekong subregion. Additionally, the PCD and UNIDO are exploring project development approaches to secure support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) to promote chemical-free Thai silk production following circular economy and clean production principles, elevating Thai silk manufacturing sustainability, reducing hazardous chemical use, and improving resource efficiency throughout the production chain in line with national sustainable development goals.

The exhibition “La Mode en Majesté – Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity,” is being held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya at the M...

On July 11, 2025, Theeraphap Kachamat, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), announced that the agency is monitoring water level data from the Meteorological Department and Royal Thai Navy regarding conditions along the Chao Phraya River near Pom Phra Chulachomklao and surrounding areas between July 13-19, 2025.

High sea levels are expected during the evenings of July 13-19, between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, which may cause water to overflow riverbanks and canals, potentially flooding low-lying areas and communities outside flood barriers. The DDPM has identified watch zones in six central provinces and Bangkok:

Pathum Thani (Mueang Pathum Thani and Samkhok districts) Nonthaburi (Mueang Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, and Bang Kruai districts) Nakhon Pathom (Bang Len, Nakhon Chai Si, and Sam Phran districts) Samut Sakhon (all districts) Samut Songkhram (all districts) Samut Prakan (Mueang Samut Prakan, Phra Samut Chedi, Phra Pradaeng, and Bang Bo districts)

The DDPM's central command has coordinated with all six provinces and Bangkok to monitor the situation and inform residents of high tide timing. Authorities are alerting private sector businesses operating along waterways—including construction contractors, floating restaurants, and riverside residents—to remain vigilant. The public can receive alerts through the THAI DISASTER ALERT app and report emergencies via the DDPM Line account (@1784DDPM) or the 24-hour emergency hotline 1784.

At Parliament on July 11, 2025, Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a Democrat Party list MP and party leader, addressed the visits by three former prime ministers from the Shinawatra family—Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Yingluck Shinawatra—to meet with ASEAN leaders, questioning whether these trips carry political implications.

Nattapong stated that the Prime Minister should answer questions about this matter most directly. He noted that while communications have focused on the shrimp export problem with Malaysia, the government's response has been slow. Since shadow cabinet meetings, he warned that delays in resolving this issue would harm shrimp farmers, as infected ponds die entirely within one to two weeks.

When pressed on the political significance of the Shinawatra family's diplomatic activities, Nattapong said the public should judge whether there are political motives. He emphasized that any past or current politician conducting negotiations to benefit the country is doing something good. However, he stressed that the incumbent Prime Minister should act more actively and decisively while in office.

Nattapong also called for the Prime Minister to fulfill parliamentary responsibilities by answering urgent questions in live parliamentary sessions held on Thursdays, which he described as a basic duty of the office.

Regarding whether the Shinawatra family's movements threaten the government, Nattapong said it depends on whether citizens benefit from the activities. If they do, there should be no downsides. As the opposition, the focus should remain on whether the government, particularly the Prime Minister, acts quickly enough to solve problems for the people.

PHUKET: Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has confirmed that five plots at the centre of the ongoing Bang Tao Beach land investigation have valid title deeds and are legally owned by a private company.

On July 11, 2025, Virojn Laksanaadithorn, a former People's Party list MP, posted on Facebook expressing gratitude to the Bangkok Governor for inviting him to serve on the advisory board. However, he explained that his primary intention is to support the Bangkok City Council's work and strengthen the oversight mechanisms between the executive and legislative branches. "I must respectfully decline the advisor position at this time," Virojn stated. "However, this refusal does not mean I'm unwilling to cooperate. On the contrary, if Bangkok's administration or any agency finds my knowledge and experience useful in solving problems and improving quality of life, I'm happy to offer recommendations, exchange ideas, and follow up on results with full commitment." Virojn added that regardless of which branch one serves, the ultimate goal should remain the same: making Bangkok a better city for all its people.