Arsenic in Kok, Sai, Mekong rivers still above standard despite rain

The amounts of heavy metals detected in the Kok, Sai and Mekong rivers, from Tha Ton in Mae Ai district to the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai province, still exceed the standard level, despite the rainy season, according to the Pollution Control Department.

Tests of water samples collected from several locations along the three rivers in June, conducted by the Pollution Control Department, show that the amount of arsenic averaged 0.01mg/L, which exceeds the standard level.

In addition to arsenic, other heavy metals, such as lead and manganese, were also detected, raising concerns that the contaminants may pose a risk to humans and vegitation, said Dr. Suebsakul Kitnukorn of the Mae Fah Luang University.

He says that the results indicate that there has been no progress in talks with Myanmar or China to address the problem of unregulated mining activities in Shan State of Myanmar, blamed for the discharge of the toxic substances into the rivers.

People’s party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut was in Chiang Rai over the weekend to address the problem with people’s networks in the province.

He reportedly told representatives of the networks that the party had already contacted the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok for help.

He said the party was told, however, that the Chinese government has no control over the mining operations in Shan State, but is ready to provide information and to coordinate with the Myanmar government.

The Chinese Embassy suggested that the Mekong River Commission is the proper channel through which to address the problem.