Thailand: CSO urges Prime Minister and Chinese ambassador to act on cross-border river pollution linked to mining
"Chinese ambassador invited to discuss river pollution", Bangkok Post, 4 Jun 2026
A northern river protection network has invited China's ambassador to Thailand to visit Chiang Rai on World Environment Day and hear concerns over toxic river pollution linked to cross-border mining activities.
The group also submitted a letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, calling for the issue to be treated as a national priority and for stronger government action against pollution in rivers shared with Myanmar and Laos.
The group says mining operations in Myanmar and Laos have contributed to the accumulation of toxic substances, including arsenic, lead and cadmium, in transboundary rivers flowing into Thailand.
The group also called for a halt to shipments of rare earth minerals and other industrial ores transported from Myanmar through Thailand to China. Other proposals include providing alternative sources of clean water for affected communities, better monitoring for heavy-metal contamination in water and river sediment, and compensating floating raft restaurant operators whose businesses have been affected by concerns over aquatic food safety.