Ranong: The Governor of Ranong has taken action to address concerns regarding the transport of minerals, specifically tin ore from Myanmar, through the region to third countries. This issue has prompted a closer examination of the environmental and regulatory impacts on local communities.
According to Thai News Agency, the Governor of Ranong Province, Mr. Suphot Phutikiatikhajorn, visited Kra Buri District to engage with local stakeholders, including villagers and relevant agencies. The meeting aimed to gather insights and discuss the implications of ongoing mineral transportation. Notably absent were representatives from the Ranong Provincial Industry Office and the Ranong Provincial Customs Office, key agencies in the regulation of tin ore imports from Myanmar.
During his visit, the governor observed the impact of mineral transport on communities, particularly at locations such as Pak Kra in the Pak Chan Subdistrict. The contrast between the turbid water from Myanmar and the clearer waters of Thailand's Khlong Kranai highlighted the environmental concerns. The governor identified a mine in Myanmar as the source of the turbid water entering the Kra Buri River. He plans to engage with local mechanisms, such as TBC, to address the issue by urging Myanmar to oversee mining operations more closely. This initiative will be reported to the central office for coordination at the national level.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thanawat Wattanakun, Commander of Ranong Provincial Police, noted that surveillance and checkpoints have revealed significant and frequent imports of tin ore from Myanmar. Some shipments were accompanied by incorrect documentation but were still allowed to pass into urban storage. Moving forward, there will be an integrated effort to verify the origins of the ore to ensure its legality, aiming to address whether the imports are legitimate or illegal.