CHIANG RAI – Community groups recently hosted a discussion to mark one year since the major flooding in Chiang Rai. While new warning systems have been set up, residents say they now face a growing risk from chemical contamination brought in from neighbouring countries.
Last year, only arsenic was detected. Now, lead, mercury, and other dangerous substances have been found at higher levels. Locals want the government to move quickly to close down the mining sites, causing cross-border pollution.
On 11 September, a network of local groups came together at the Chiang Rai Contemporary Art Museum to remember the anniversary of the 2023 floods. Speakers talked about the flood situation at the end of last year, the effectiveness of government alerts, pollution in the rivers, and ways to push for government action under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Mr Khranchit Chomphudaeng, head of the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in Chiang Rai, explained that the province has taken steps to get ready for possible flooding in 2025. Early warning systems have now been installed at 17 locations along the Kok River.
If incoming water volume from Myanmar rises, authorities will know straight away, so families can move to safer ground in time.
Dr Suebsakul Kitnugorn from Mae Fah Luang University and the network for the protection of the Kok, Ruak, and Khong Rivers noted that this year’s floods were not as severe, but water contamination remains a big problem.
Pollution levels in the rivers that flow in from neighbouring countries show no sign of dropping. In fact, things seem to be getting worse.
“At first, tests showed arsenic levels above safety standards,” Dr Suebsakul said. “Now, we’re also finding 7 or 8 heavy metals, including mercury and lead. This is a serious concern for people living along these river basins, especially over the long term.”
Dr Suebsakul believes the government should monitor food supply chains more closely across the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Khong river areas. This involves checking rice grown on the 100,000 rai of farmland along these rivers.
He suggests finding new water sources for the 55,000 households in Chiang Rai city, Wiang Chai, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, and Chiang Khong.
The local water authority plans to use water from the Lao River instead of the Kok and to use the Nam Kam for the Sai River supply, but they are waiting for budget approval.
He also recommends setting up testing centres for heavy metals in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai since there are no local facilities, and sending samples to Bangkok currently takes 15 to 30 days for results.
Most importantly, he says mining in Myanmar needs to stop as soon as possible because it is the main cause of this cross-border pollution. All mineral imports should be suspended until the source of the ore is confirmed not to come from polluted mines.
He proposes a joint national working group focused on tackling river pollution, including officials, academics, and civil society.
The government should lead talks between Thailand, Myanmar, and China to sort out the water contamination issue. So far, only one meeting has taken place with Myanmar, with no real progress.
