Report Kok River Check Dam: Doubts Over Toxic Waste Solution

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

Trouble is brewing in Chiang Rai over plans for check dams on the Kok River. Thai experts raise red flags about the dams’ ability to trap toxic sediments from Myanmar’s mines.

 

Concerns peak as sediment might just spread further downstream. Dr Sitang Pilailar, a professor at Kasetsart University’s Water Resource Engineering Department, states that sedimentation is natural in rivers. Check dams, best suited for streams, may worsen the situation in rivers. She stresses the need for detailed studies before building any permanent structures.

 

Temporary check dams could be swept away, spreading concentrated sediments even more, Dr Sitang warns. The government must plan how to dispose of toxins collected from the riverbed to avoid environmental hazards. Kanchanaburi’s toxic creek, tainted by lead mining despite court orders, serves as a cautionary tale.

 

As Myanmar mines keep dumping waste into the river, Dr Sitang says fixing Kok River's contamination is a long shot. Somkiat Kuenchiangsa from Living River Siam Association fears ecological impacts, affecting those who depend on the river for water and agriculture.

 

On the political front, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich is pressing for dialogue with Myanmar. However, she notes China’s pivotal role, with its investors driving the mining operations in Shan state.

 

While Theerarat backs check dams for their ease of construction and repair, resolving the river’s contamination might require more than stopgap measures.

 

The concerns raised underscore the urgency for a cohesive, multinational strategy. The outcome of Thailand’s discussions with Myanmar and China might just chart the future of the Kok River's health. Building check dams is a start, but the real challenge is ensuring they provide a lasting solution.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-06-18

 

 

[blaze master]

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

 

Concerns peak as sediment might just spread further downstream

 

 

Na it'll be fine. 

[ChrisY1]

So much of SE Asia is in a constant, freakin' mess of pollution, illegals, crime and government malfeasance, of which allows corruption to rule the everything!

[davb]

3 minutes ago, ChrisY1 said:

So much of SE Asia is in a constant, freakin' mess of pollution, illegals, crime and government malfeasance, of which allows corruption to rule the everything!

I've insulated myself from most of that, but as I found out earlier this year, there's no protection from pollution.