Chiang Rai: Chiang Rai Environmental Office received a complaint that "Kok Water" was cloudy. When tested, arsenic levels were found to be several times higher than the standard, affecting public health. It is expected to come from a gold mine in Myanmar. Chiang Rai Governor called an urgent meeting.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Awira Phakmat, Director of the Office of Environmental and Pollution Control 1, Chiang Mai, revealed the results of random water quality tests in the Kok River in Ban Pong Na Kham, Tambon Doi Hang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, showing that the water source is highly polluted in the form of organic substances. After receiving complaints that the Kok River was murky and that people who went swimming had itchy rashes, samples collected on March 19 showed that the water was 8-9 times murkier than normal. The analysis results found arsenic, a dangerous toxin, at 0.026 milligrams per liter, while the standard value must be over 0.01 milligrams per liter, which can affect health, such as diarrhea, abnormal chemical processes in the body, or even cancer. There is a high possibility that it may be linked to gold mining in the headwaters of Myanmar because gold ore contains arsenic.
Recently, Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Chiang Rai Governor, chaired a meeting to find a solution to the problem of Kok water quality, which was found to be at the level of 'fair to deteriorated'. Mr. Awira said that the quality of Kok water in Chiang Rai Province slightly exceeded the standard. From the environmentalist's perspective, it is not a serious problem. As for collecting water samples for testing, it should be done 1-2 times a month to ease concerns. The Chiang Rai Governor asked for an increase in the frequency of water sample collection from the border of Chiang Rai Province, through Mueang District, Wiang Chai District, Wiang Chiang Rung District, Doi Luang District, Mae Chan District before flowing into the Mekong River. He also surveyed the use of Kok water, such as for tap water, agriculture, industry, or for swimming to promote tourism, by Wednesday, April 9. He also urged people to create understanding to cover all risk areas.