Researcher gets flak over study into dangerous herbicide

By CHULARAT SAENGPASSA 
THE NATION 

 

 

AN award-winning researcher, Assoc Professor Puangrat Kajitvichyanukul, has been caught up in a storm of protest for speaking out about a life-threatening chemical that farmers may have inadvertently spread in the environment.

 

The Federation of Farmers’ Safety has accused Puangrat’s research of causing damage and pressured her to resign from the state-owned Naresuan University before the end of this month. 

 

“Show responsibility for the damages caused,” the federation has demanded.

 

Puangrat, the head of the Centre of Excellence on Environmental Research and Innovation at the university’s Faculty of Engineering, has recently disclosed alarming findings from a research project. The study showed that there are high concentrations of paraquat, a widely used herbicide that is harmful to humans, in some areas of Nong Bua Lamphu’s Suwannakhuha district. 

 

After the findings were disclosed, the Public Health Ministry considered a plan to ban paraquat. Last year, at least 102 people in Nong Bua Lamphu came down with necrotising fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease. Six people died from it.

 

The Federation of Farmers’ Safety was established not long after the possibility of a paraquat ban emerged. 

 

Thailand is the world’s fourth-largest importer of paraquat, with sales soaring past Bt1 billion a year. 

 

It remains unclear whether the Federation of Farmers’ Safety has any direct link to herbicide-selling firms. However, the federation has apparently often joined activities alongside the Thai Crop Protection Association, which was founded by herbicide and pesticide sellers. 

 

During an exclusive interview with The Nation at the height of paraquat controversy, Puangrat said she believed her research findings must have affected the businesses of some companies, as friction from the private sector had become intense.

 

On March 27, a subcommittee established by the Hazardous Substances Committee will conclude on whether to act on the Public Health Ministry’s suggestion that paraquat be banned. 

 

She said firms had contacted her university and tried to prevent her from presenting her research findings to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and various government agencies. 

 

“They reacted really fast. Initially, my university and I were caught off guard,” she said. 

 

Puangrat said her university agreed to fund the research in Nong Bua Lamphu after Warangkana Inthalohith of the National Health Assembly raised concerns that flesh-eating cases in the northeastern province might be linked to farm chemicals. The research kicked off with the approval from the Nong Bua Lamphu Public Health Office.

 

The research team first collected samples from Tambon Boontun and interviewed residents there last December. 

 

“Local people told me that they developed rashes and wounds one day after wading through local water. If they didn’t rush for treatment, a risk of amputation emerged within the next three to four days,” Puangrat said. 

 

 

She said in Tambon Boontun, sugarcane growers had used herbicides at the amount three to four times higher than the recommended levels, and their plantations surrounded a closed reservoir. 

 

“After samples were tested and analysed, I could not sleep for a week because the results were frightening,” she said. She said her team had re-examined the results to double-check them. 

 

“After the results were confirmed, I decided to speak to the media with prior consent from the Nong Bua Lamphu governor,” Puangrat said. 

She said she knew her research findings, when released to the public, could turn her into a target of efforts to discredit her. 

 

“I faced such attacks before for research I did in Nan years ago,” Puangrat said, “Back then, several government agencies questioned the accuracy of my research. But eventually, time will tell the truth.”

 

In Nan, Puangrat found a local river contaminated with herbicides including glyphosate. Her research was initially questioned, but several other organisations later reported similar reports in Nan. Campaigns were then conducted to discourage the use of chemicals on farmland and to promote organic farming.

 

“I decided to speak up again no matter what … I know in the end the truth will prevail,” she said. 

 

Puangrat said she hoped that relevant authorities would quickly fix the problems, instead of questioning the validity of her research. 

 

She has maintained that her research was conducted strictly in line with proper standards. Funders such as the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) had closely monitored implementation to ensure the quality of her research, she said. 

 

 

Puangrat added that she had often heard authorities’ complaints that research by Thai academics was usually “headed to the shelves” – that is, to be stored in a library but not put to practical use. 

 

“Actually, we have already conducted useful research. But some authorities have simply ignored it,” she said. 

 

Puangrat said she believed other researchers might have discovered high concentrations of paraquat in Nong Bua Lamphu before her team, but were reluctant to release their findings to the public. 

 

“Even as a veteran in the field, I have still faced a lot of trouble,” she said. 

 

The TRF named Puangrat as an outstanding researcher in 2014. In 2011, the Naresuan University also honoured her research efforts. 

 

Puangrat said she was not the only researcher facing intense criticism and pressure after releasing findings that had possible significant ramifications. 

 

Professor Pornpimol Kongtip of Mahidol University faced a similar fate after her research, titled “The Impact of Prenatal Organophosphate Pesticide Exposures on Thai Infant Neurodevelopment”, became public, Puangrat said. 

 

“Like Pornpimol, I speak up to protect people in general,” she said. “But we are treated with doubt.” 

 

Puangrat said she hoped research institutions would help communicate with the government, the private sector and the public about research processes and objectives. 

 

“We have conducted research for you [policy-makers] to use,” Puangrat said. 

 

She added that researchers usually provided recommendations that relevant parties should consider.

 

Local people in areas where she has conducted her research, such as those in Nong Bua Lamphu, have apparently wanted help, because they willingly cooperated with research teams. 

 

Despite the many challenges Puangrat faces, several organisations have come forward to defend her. 

 

Greenpeace Southeast Asia, FTA Watch, BioThai Foundation and the Foundation for Consumers are among agencies condemning the Federation of Farmers’ Safety for taking action against Puangrat. 

 

“Academic freedom must be protected, particularly when academics use their knowledge and expertise to protect the quality of life among people,” they said in a joint statement. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30341710

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-03-26

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

I could not sleep for a week because the results were frightening,” she said.

About says it all. Sadly, paraquat is still used widely around the world. It's in use in the US, but restricted to licensed people, and it's coloured and odorised and has a vomiting agent added as an extra safety precaution.

 

Prof. Puangrat needs to be protected as it's not beyond the realms of possibility that she could be "silenced". 

I worked with Thai farmers back in 1977-79 as a Peace Corps volunteer.  Their disregard for the dangers of insecticides was scary.  Mix at recommended concentrations and if the bugs didn't die immediately, triple the dose.  Never mind that the bugs stopped eating and died a day or two later.

 

I suppose it's the same with herbicides.  Took a grad level course in weed science about 43 years ago.  Paraquat and other nasty stuff is still around.  I took a test for a pesticide applicator's license but didn't need it so didn't pursue it.

Edited March 25, 20188 yr by Damrongsak

The  biggest problem is not the chemical but "As usual"  the  applicators, Thais, the staff here  would wear no protective clothing and then add way more than was needed despite me giving them the correct measures  and a big LINE drawn on the  container showing exactly where to  fill to........ignored , Thai know best just add more  will be stronger,

The chemical companies  give away lots of  freebies to the  sellers of this  stuff also a real incentive to shift stock, one woman had several free I phones BUT she also told us  that many of the locals owe her hundreds of thousands of baht in unpaid bills buying the stuff.

I thought Paraquat was  only  banned in  the west due to the ease at which you could  commit suicide/murder someone  with and that as a  residual in the soil it was one of the better chemicals??http://www.agronomypro.com/paraquat-herbicide.pdf

Edited March 25, 20188 yr by kannot

These ostriches need to see the light.  

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The Federation of Farmers’ Safety has accused Puangrat’s research of causing damage and pressured her to resign from the state-owned Naresuan University before the end of this month. 

o let me guess, defamation right around the corner;

and, of course, shooting the messenger;

this toxic chemical has been banned by real, civilized countries based on numerous studies;

thailand 0.4; head in the sand

Anyone remember Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" back in the 60's? Her research on the use of chemicals in the countryside predicted dire consequences on wildlife and proved to be correct! Puangrat's research is of equal importance and should be respected by government, industry and farmers alike! But, of course, as usual, money and profit is all important despite the cost to life and limb!

Sent from my X98 Plus II (C2D6) using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Shows again how much respect farmers have for others with their use of chemicals. Money is nr 1.

 

I would not mind paying extra for safe vegetables unfortunately with enforcement as it is its impossible to trust labels.

Sometimes the truth in Thailand, is not welcome.

regards worgeordie

3 hours ago, webfact said:

It remains unclear whether the Federation of Farmers’ Safety has any direct link to herbicide-selling firms. However, the federation has apparently often joined activities alongside the Thai Crop Protection Association, which was founded by herbicide and pesticide sellers. 

This and being the world's forth largest importer is just a frighteningly huge coincidence.   Anyone who comes between the worship of power and money in Thailand will always face personal attacks as doing the right thing just does not matter. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/20/business/paraquat-weed-killer-pesticide.html

 

The Parkinson’s question is more complicated. Symptoms of the disease, such as tremors and slowed movement, stem from a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain.

While the causes are not fully understood, it is typically viewed as stemming from a blend of environmental and genetic factors. Some research even draws a connection to gut bacteria.

Edited March 26, 20188 yr by metisdead
Edited as per fair use policy.

While the culture of do what benefits my network and ignore the harm to everyone else remains in place, rooting out this type of nefarious activity is like trying to play whack-a-mole.

Oh that's it stupids, shoot the messenger...

This is a real threat and what does an irresponsible government do? Cover it up and fire excellent research to protect not the people but the profits of the HiSos....

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand is the world’s fourth-largest importer of paraquat, with sales soaring past Bt1 billion a year. 

Boom there it is!

 

This is why it will not be banned & this lady will be muzzled

Someone is making $$$ & cares not if the Thai people rot of cancer as long as they gain $$$

 

Worst yet is in many villages their water table their wells draw from is less than 3 meters below the surface

So this poison is in the air & likely perked into the water supply as well.

Even if you don't drink well water you likely wash with it & brush with it.

 

 

 

Edited March 26, 20188 yr by meechai

China produces 80% of global paraquat and will soon ban the use domestically by 2020. Producers will have to export and Thailand is easy target and lots of money to be paid to lobbyists. 

have to wonder how many of them are involved with the import of it or are being given incentives to keep quiet and keep backing it. The fact that they use over the recommended amounts doesnt help, more is not better and they really need to wear protective clothing etc so they do not get it all over themselves, spraying near a water source is also not recommended but most lack the knowledge not to do it or dont care. Health and safety in Thailand is simply not practiced, it all boils down to profits and how easy it is to do

5 hours ago, Dexlowe said:

About says it all. Sadly, paraquat is still used widely around the world. It's in use in the US, but restricted to licensed people, and it's coloured and odorised and has a vomiting agent added as an extra safety precaution.

 

Prof. Puangrat needs to be protected as it's not beyond the realms of possibility that she could be "silenced". 

What's next? I think this scenario wouldn't be too far fetched. After finding her corpse in a secluded forest the first autopsy (stating over exposure to paraquat) was overruled. New assumption: she died by consumption of dog meat offered to her by migrant workers.

14 minutes ago, Lupatria said:

What's next? I think this scenario wouldn't be too far fetched. After finding her corpse in a secluded forest the first autopsy (stating over exposure to paraquat) was overruled. New assumption: she died by consumption of dog meat offered to her by migrant workers.

More  likely  migrant workers did her in

"I know in the end the truth will prevail,” she said. 

 

Ah, if only. . . 

I anticipate that Prof. Puangrat's research wont alter anything  -  on the other hand, the *non-problem* of imported fish caught in the sea off Fukushima will get *plenty* of media-exposure and government-action.

Edited March 26, 20188 yr by andersonat

4 hours ago, graemeaylward said:

Anyone remember Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" back in the 60's? Her research on the use of chemicals in the countryside predicted dire consequences on wildlife and proved to be correct! Puangrat's research is of equal importance and should be respected by government, industry and farmers alike! But, of course, as usual, money and profit is all important despite the cost to life and limb!

Sent from my X98 Plus II (C2D6) using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

An interesting site concerning responsibility, money and profit:

http://opendata.syngenta.agroknow.com/the-good-growth-plan-progress-data

3 hours ago, worgeordie said:

Sometimes the truth in Thailand, is not welcome.

regards worgeordie

Its a bit difficult when there is no alternative. I recently tried to buy a weedkiller to keep my driveway weed free. I was only offered Paraquat. I knew about Paraquat which is banned in all EU countries because of its health risks to all animals (incl. Dogs, Cats as well as humans). I told the guy no. I wanted a systemic herbicide like Roundup. He had never heard of this and persisted to push Paraquat on me. No way would i accept it. Solved the problem on a short trip home and bought two litres of concentrated Roundup to bring back

 

7 minutes ago, ResandePohm said:

Its a bit difficult when there is no alternative. I recently tried to buy a weedkiller to keep my driveway weed free. I was only offered Paraquat. I knew about Paraquat which is banned in all EU countries because of its health risks to all animals (incl. Dogs, Cats as well as humans). I told the guy no. I wanted a systemic herbicide like Roundup. He had never heard of this and persisted to push Paraquat on me. No way would i accept it. Solved the problem on a short trip home and bought two litres of concentrated Roundup to bring back

 

BS. Roundup, in Thailand called glyphosate is available at every farmshop.

I adore this woman and wish her the best - and success.

May she be protected.

 

 

And let those who make a fortune with this irresponsible use of the chemical take a bath in it.

May be it will cleanse them from their sins and thus show some real usefulness

Edited March 26, 20188 yr by sweatalot

5 hours ago, worgeordie said:

Sometimes the truth in Thailand, is not welcome.

regards worgeordie

"Sometimes"??? 

I would like to have this article in Thai, anybody know where I can find it?

 

Get this article out to the worlds media.......once countries that are (currently) unaware of the use of this dangerous chemical in Thailand are made aware...it might just start to backup the exports from Thailand of fruit and vegetables....

I grew up on southport island,same as Rachael Carson.When some thing new is introduced sometimes it's ridiculed,attacked then thought of as mainstream

If she is in the way of the baht, then she has to go.

On 3/26/2018 at 2:29 PM, hanseman said:

I would like to have this article in Thai, anybody know where I can find it?

 

I could offer you another article concerning the same subject:

https://www.tcijthai.com/news/2018/25/scoop/7850