Chiang rai: Thammanat Prompao has taken decisive action to address contamination issues in the Kok River by ordering the formation of a provincial committee aimed at revitalizing Chiang Rai’s water resources. This initiative aims to build confidence among farmers and the public, alongside plans to launch the “Chiang Rai Coffee to the Community” caravan.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Captain Thammanat Prompao, accompanied by Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education, and other officials, inspected the water management situation at the Kok River basin. Their visit included a stop at the Chiang Rai Dam and the Wiang Chai District Office to address local needs, offering supplies and production resources, such as agricultural title deeds and aquatic animal species, to aid flood-affected farmers.
Colonel Thammanat highlighted that the Chiang Rai Dam serves 58,723 rai of irrigated land and is managed by the Royal Irrigation Department to mitigate flooding and provide water during dry seasons. Despite these efforts, the province faces significant environmental challenges like flooding, landslides, and chemical residues in the Kok River, impacting residents’ quality of life.
Thammanat emphasized the need for international negotiations to establish standards prohibiting chemical discharges into tributaries affecting Thailand. He committed to addressing this at the upcoming Cabinet meeting, seeking diplomatic solutions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies.
Furthermore, Thammanat instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to accelerate the construction of water gates or sedimentation weirs to filter contaminants upstream. He also tasked various departments with inspecting water, soil, and aquatic animal quality to ensure public safety. Alternative water sources are being explored to reduce dependence on the Kok River.
A provincial committee will be established to implement these measures, involving local leaders and relevant agencies to ensure effective solutions. Thammanat assured that the government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives are prioritizing this issue.
During his visit, Thammanat also addressed local leaders’ concerns, such as the Nong Luang dredging project and a solar-powered water diversion system for the Kok River. Deputy Minister Nares Thamrongthipyakhun will lead a committee to expedite these projects and improve agricultural product prices within three months.
Thammanat also launched the “Good Coffee from Chiang Rai to Communities for Sustainability, Coffee Reduces Global Warming” caravan, promoting the northern region’s coffee production through the Chiang Rai Provincial Agricultural Office and the Department of Agricultural Extension.