Chiang rai: "Thirat" has committed to implementing "Paethongtarn's" policy aimed at rapidly addressing water quality issues in the Kok and Sai Rivers. The focus is on maintaining continuous communication and raising public awareness.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Thirat Rattanasri, Deputy Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Interior, who also heads the Center for Solving Water Quality Problems, carried out an inspection of the flood situation in Chiang Rai Province alongside Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra. Following this inspection, she has instructed relevant agencies to urgently implement measures as outlined by the Center for Solving Water Quality Problems to achieve tangible outcomes swiftly, aiming to mitigate the situation and sustainably reduce the impact on residents.
Ms. Thirat emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring safe water use across all areas, including consumption, agriculture, and environmental conservation. Agencies have been urged to rigorously monitor water quality, encompassing tap water, aquatic life, agricultural products, and public health. Continuous sample collection and analysis are underway to ensure public confidence in water safety. Additionally, she has directed Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces to assess both direct and indirect impacts on residents from water quality issues, and to organize community forums for public engagement in sustainable development solutions.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been tasked with establishing an environmental monitoring center to disseminate information on water quality and address public concerns through various communication channels. The primary public concern revolves around the health implications of water quality and its impact on agriculture.
Ms. Thirat also highlighted the transboundary nature of the Kok and Sai Rivers, shared between Thailand and Myanmar. The government has mandated close coordination with international counterparts. Recently, the Military Border Affairs Department engaged with Major General Soh Lai of Myanmar concerning arsenic found in the rivers. Myanmar has acknowledged the issue and plans to deploy its Department of Environmental Resources to survey the rivers, preparing for discussions at the upcoming Regional Border Committee meeting on July 2-3, 2025. Thailand intends to utilize this forum for in-depth discussions with Myanmar to explore cooperative, sustainable solutions to the water quality challenges, while awaiting the scheduling of official government-level negotiations.