On May 19, a public forum titled “Protecting the Kok and Sai Rivers: Stop Mining at the Source, Restore the Watershed” was held at the Chiang Rai Contemporary Art Museum. Around 70 participants, including monks, businesspeople, artists, former senators, local politicians, and civil society representatives from Chiang Mai’s Tha Ton subdistrict and Chiang Rai districts bordering the Kok and Sai rivers, gathered to address the environmental crisis.
Pianporn Deetes, Campaign Director at International Rivers, highlighted alarming developments from satellite images and field observations. Mining activities, especially in Myanmar's Shan State controlled by the Wa armed group, are harming transboundary rivers without consideration for downstream communities. Local residents in Tha Ton observed unusual changes in the Kok River, prompting protests in March and leading to water tests that revealed arsenic contamination above safe limits.
Concerns are rising over unregulated rare earth mining just 2 kilometers from the Thai border, contributing to river pollution. Activists questioned the Thai government’s inaction in protecting these critical water bodies. Calls were made for an international response, including appeals to the Chinese embassy and local ethnic armed groups.
Academic Dr. Suebsakul Kittanugron from Mae Fah Luang University proposed that World Environment Day on June 5 be used as a rallying point. A large-scale event, aiming for 10,000 participants, will express the collective will of the region's people. Proposed actions include cultural rituals, student involvement, and possibly submitting a formal protest to the Chinese embassy.
Several community members expressed frustration over official responses that downplay heavy metal contamination risks. Calls were made for stronger government accountability, broader public awareness, and international outreach.
Reverend Phra Mahanikom from Wat Tha Ton likened the Kok River to a critically ill mother, urging united action to "heal" her. Independent researcher Saw Lat explained the regional geopolitical complexities of rare earth mining and its ecological damage, emphasizing the need for national-level political responses.
Activist Niwat Roykaew (Kru Tee) stressed the urgency of public mobilization, noting plans for awareness campaigns and rallies in Chiang Rai leading up to June 5. Dr. Suebsakul concluded by calling for the Thai government to engage directly with Myanmar and Chinese authorities, given the confirmed presence of mining-related toxic contamination from operations run by Chinese firms in Myanmar.