CHIANG RAI – Local authorities in Chiang Rai, Thailand, are taking immediate action to secure a safe drinking water supply for their residents after dangerous heavy metals were found in their current water source. Right now, leaders across four districts are collaborating with the Provincial Waterworks Authority to abandon the polluted Kok River.
The shift is urgently needed because toxic runoff—specifically arsenic—from upstream mining operations in neighboring Myanmar is heavily polluting the waterway. To protect public health and restore confidence, city officials announced plans to shift their massive tap water production to the much safer Lao River.
The Threat of Heavy Metal Contamination
For years, the Kok River has been a crucial lifeline for communities in northern Thailand. It flows from neighboring Myanmar, passes through Mae Ai District in Chiang Mai, and winds right into the heart of Chiang Rai. Unfortunately, this geography means that industrial waste from across the border easily makes its way into local Thai communities.
Recent water quality tests revealed alarming levels of heavy metals, including arsenic, flowing down from the upstream mines. Even though the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has repeatedly stated that its current treatment systems clean the water enough to make it safe for drinking, local leaders are not taking any chances.
They understand that depending on a highly polluted raw water source is a long-term risk. According to a recent report by MGR Online, local officials are determined to cut ties with the contaminated river completely.
The Lao River Solution
To solve this crisis, Mayor Wanchai Jongsuthanamanee, Deputy Mayor Thanet Komolthong, and other key officials recently met with construction and water management experts. Their goal is clear: find a brand new, clean source of raw water.
They decided that the “Mae Lao” or Lao River is the best candidate to replace the Kok River. After conducting early field studies, the team found that the Lao River has excellent potential. Not only is the water clean, but the river also has enough volume to provide a steady supply of water all year long.
A consulting firm is currently running a deep feasibility study on this massive infrastructure swap. They expect to finish their research by 2027. Once approved, the Chiang Rai City Municipality is ready to support the project by allowing new water pipelines to be laid directly through the city.
This project does more than just avoid toxic chemicals; it is a major upgrade for the region’s entire water network.
By pulling water from the Mae Lao irrigation weir, the city will significantly boost how much clean water it can make every single day. Here are the expected benefits of the new system:
- Double the Capacity: The new facility will produce up to 4,000 cubic meters of tap water per hour. This is a massive leap from the current 2,000 cubic meters per hour pulled from the Kok River.
- Widespread Coverage: The fresh water supply will serve 24 different local administrative organizations.
- Four Districts Aided: The pipeline will reach homes and businesses in Mueang Chiang Rai, Mae Lao, Wiang Chai, and Phan districts.
Mayor Wanchai emphasized that this project is about more than just pipes and pumps. It is about restoring peace of mind. By permanently moving away from the toxic mine runoff of the Kok River, Chiang Rai aims to protect the daily health of its residents while also ensuring the city remains an attractive, safe destination for tourists.
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