PM Anutin: China, Myanmar Aware of Northern River Toxins; Thailand Seeks Backup Water Sources
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said China and Myanmar have been alerted to toxic contamination in northern Thai rivers and talks on solutions are underway. The government is urgently developing alternative water sources for affected provinces rather than waiting for the pollution to be resolved. Thailand has also conveyed its border security concerns to Myanmar during recent bilateral meetings.
At 3:50 p.m. on November 14, 2026, at Don Mueang Airport's Wing 6, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul disclosed details of bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his official visit to Thailand. They discussed addressing toxic pollution in northern rivers, with a working-group meeting to follow.
Regarding Myanmar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa's recent visit also raised the river toxin issue as a key topic, making all parties aware of the danger. Anutin said Thailand, as a downstream country, has stressed the urgency of the situation.
The Prime Minister added that Thailand must find backup water sources and raw water for producing tap water for the worst-hit provinces. Regional waterworks authorities have already begun this work rather than simply waiting to identify the toxin source, because eliminating the contamination will take time and people cannot wait. Alternative water resources must be secured immediately to protect the public.
On the 49th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, Anutin noted that Myanmar's top leadership could not attend due to ongoing internal issues, but bilateral engagement continues. Maris met with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing and received a warm welcome. Anutin said Thailand has fully conveyed its concerns over armed ethnic groups along the border and outlined the level of cooperation Thailand can accept, and all sides now understand Thailand's position.
