CHIANG RAI – Local environmental groups in northern Thailand are demanding answers after a peaceful protest turned violent. The groups held a press briefing on July 8 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chiang Rai.
Protest leaders spoke out about the clash that took place on July 6. Demonstrators were reportedly injured while submitting a petition at the Chinese Consulate in Chiang Mai.
Key Takeaways
- Peaceful Protest Turns Violent: Activists demand a police probe after suffering injuries at the Chinese Consulate.
- Cross-Border Pollution: Chinese-backed mines in Myanmar and Laos are polluting major Thai rivers.
- EV Industry Under Fire: Campaigners want global checks on rare-earth minerals used in electric cars.
- Call for Thai Action: Groups urge the Thai government to ban dirty mineral imports from Myanmar.
The People’s Network for the Protection of the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong Rivers organized the media event. They strongly defended their legal right to stage peaceful protests under the constitution.
Niwat Roikaew, a prominent local leader, stated the July 6 rally was entirely peaceful. He urged the Royal Thai Police to investigate the heavy-handed response that hurt protesters.
Environmental Injustice
He blamed the toxic river pollution on gold and rare-earth mines in neighboring Myanmar and Laos. These massive mining sites are heavily funded by Chinese investors. They directly harm the daily lives of people living along the Mekong River basin.
Somkiat Khuanchiangsa, head of the Association of Rivers for Life, called the crisis a clear case of environmental injustice. He warned that toxic water destroys local food sources and natural resources.
He also challenged the booming electric vehicle market. He wants global buyers to check the supply chains of electric cars closely. He warned that rare-earth minerals often come from sites that ignore human rights.
Community leader Pranom Chermchaiyaphum added that the recent clash highlights a major flaw in state power. He said officials frequently ignore the voices of local people. He urged police to respect basic democratic rights and free speech.
Six Demands for Chinese Government
Academics Dr. Kiattikhun Jankaen and Dr. Neramit Jitraksa stressed that their movement uses strictly non-violent methods. They simply want to protect the rivers that sustain millions of lives.
To close the event, Dr. Suebsakul Kitnukorn outlined six clear demands for immediate action. First, he demanded an end to pollution from mines in Laos and Myanmar. Second, he called for an end to police violence against peaceful crowds.
Third, he urged the Chinese government to take full responsibility for the actions of its corporate investors. Fourth, he pressed the Thai government to take strict measures, including a potential ban on mineral imports. This bold move would create real bargaining power for Thailand.
Finally, the network asked the global community to closely inspect rare-earth sourcing for Chinese EV makers. They insisted that these giant car brands must publicly prove their raw materials are clean and safe.
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