Suchart Accepts Mae Fah Luang University Recommendations to Address Heavy Metal Pollution in Kok-Sai-Ruak-Mekong Rivers

On May 21, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin instructed the Pollution Control Department to consider recommendations from Dr. Suebkul Kitnakom, a lecturer at Mae Fah Luang University's School of Social Innovation in International Development, regarding heavy metal contamination in the Kok-Sai-Ruak-Mekong rivers allegedly originating from Chinese mines in Myanmar.

The minister directed the department to resume heavy metal testing in water and sediment at the original Thai-Myanmar border checkpoint (Ban Kaeng Tum), located approximately 200-400 meters from the border, which had served as the primary monitoring point. Since November 2024, the department had discontinued sampling at this location.

The department justified the discontinuation by citing accessibility difficulties, though military personnel had been assisting with sample collection. The current sampling point is at Tha Ton Bridge, approximately 4.7 kilometers from the border. Officials explained the change was made due to safety concerns—the original checkpoint featured rocky rapids where dangerous currents during high water seasons had previously caused accidents. Boat operators were concerned about capsizing while maintaining position against strong currents during the 15-30 minute sampling process.

The minister noted that the department had already expanded monitoring points along the Mekong River in Chiang Of and Wieng Kaen districts in Chiang Rai province as recommended by the public and the university. The Chiang Mai Environmental and Pollution Control Office had informed Dr. Suebkul of these actions. The minister expressed appreciation for the university's recommendations and stated his willingness to consider improvements that would benefit collaborative pollution management efforts.