Thailand’s demand that Myanmar stop polluting its rivers underscores the importance of regional cooperation and should reassure the audience that their environmental concerns are recognised and valid.
Residents of the northern provinces are suffering from toxic substances from mines in the neighbouring country, which threaten their health and livelihoods, encouraging the audience to feel empathy and concern for affected communities.
On Monday, 15 July 2024, representatives of the ‘People’s Network for the Protection of the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong’ held a protest outside the Myanmar Consulate-General in Chiang Mai, demonstrating ongoing efforts and inspiring the audience to feel hopeful about collective action for change.
In a statement addressed to Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing, the network pointed out that millions of Thai residents living along the four rivers – Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong – are suffering from pollution linked to mining activities further upstream. This highlights serious transboundary environmental issues characteristic of the South-East Asian region, where several states share water resources.
According to the network, toxic substances leaching from the mines have entered the region’s food chain. This is forcing farmers in the Mekong basin to use contaminated water to irrigate more than 110,000 rae (around 176 square kilometres) of rice fields. The rice harvested in these areas is then supplied to consumers throughout Thailand, posing a potential risk to the country’s population.
The network also noted that the pollution has caused enormous damage to local livelihoods. Fishermen in around 60 coastal villages are having difficulty selling their catch. The public fears that fish may be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury, which are known for their high toxicity and ability to accumulate in living organisms.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has already advised the public to avoid consuming fish and fish products from the affected water bodies. This is directly affecting the region’s economy. Tour operators are also reporting a decline in visitor numbers, as environmental issues are deterring tourists who prefer unspoilt natural areas.
According to the network, around 40,000 households, or 120,000 residents, in Chiang Rai province continue to use the municipal water supply, which contains heavy metals. This situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to prevent long-term health consequences, as access to safe, clean water is a fundamental human right threatened by ongoing pollution.
Earlier, on 21 April, United Nations envoys and working groups sent a letter expressing concern about environmental degradation and the cross-border impact of mining activities on human rights. In response, on 17 June, Myanmar refuted the allegations, claiming that no mining operations were taking place along the Kok River. However, the ‘People’s Network for the Protection of Rivers’ provided satellite images that suggest existing international environmental agreements or regional protocols may be insufficiently enforced or need strengthening to address such transboundary pollution issues.
Protesters called on Myanmar authorities to acknowledge the pollution and immediately suspend all mining activities along the riverbanks until the issue is fully resolved. This demand reflects a desire to protect the environment and the health of residents in border regions who are suffering from the consequences of industrial activity.
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