Thailand: Govt. seeks Japan's assistance in investigating contaminated toxic rivers in Kok River allegedly linked to either agriculture or rare-earth mining in Myanmar
"Japan to help investigate toxic rivers in Myanmar", 26 February 2026
Thailand has sought Japan’s support in collecting water samples from Shan State in Myanmar to identify a source of toxic runoff that is threatening the health of people on both sides of the border.
The Japanese government has held talks with the Pollution Control Department on cooperation, particularly on water-filtering technology and sediment studies, department director Surin Worakitthamrong said ... during a water quality test at the Kok River in Chiang Rai province.
He said Japan is keen to take part in Thailand’s initiative to tackle water pollution and has also engaged in similar projects in Myanmar.
“Japan will help us conduct a heavy metal test on water and sediment samples. We expect to travel to Shan State shortly,” Mr Surin said.
Two main sources of arsenic in the Kok River could stem from either agriculture or rare-earth mining, he said.
Mr Surin said the department would organise a meeting on arsenic pollution in transboundary rivers …, adding that the government has included pollution in such waterways and haze as part of its flagship policy.
…, the department conducted a laboratory test on water samples collected from the Kok River.
A rapid demonstration showed the sample contained arsenic at an amount of 0.005 milligrammes per litre, well within the safety standard of 0.1mg/l. Such tests are considered to have an accuracy level of about 80%...