Report Cross-Border Efforts to Tackle Mekong River Arsenic Contamination

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File photo for reference only

 

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has sounded the alarm over heavy metal contamination in the Mekong River, with the source believed to be unregulated mining activities in Myanmar. The issue has been classified as “moderately serious.”

 

Recent assessments have uncovered elevated arsenic levels at various points along the river. Testing by the MRC focused on the Kok River and sections of the Mekong, revealing that arsenic concentrations surpassed the standard limit of 0.01 mg/L at four out of five sites.

 

While arsenic levels were within acceptable limits upstream near the Myanmar–Laos border and downstream at Luang Prabang in Laos, higher concentrations were detected between the Golden Triangle and Thailand’s Chiang Khong district.

 

Interestingly, no lead contamination was observed in Laos, pointing towards cross-border sources. Data from Thailand’s Pollution Control Department in May showed arsenic levels averaging 0.025 mg/L.

 

To address this, the MRC is orchestrating joint assessments to improve cross-border water quality monitoring. A crucial meeting and field visit is scheduled for 21 July in Chiang Rai, aiming to secure an agreement among Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand on a monitoring strategy and establish a long-term cooperation plan.

 

The initiative tackles a growing crisis, attributed mainly to inadequate mining practices in Myanmar. The Kok and Sai Rivers, both impacted, flow through northern Thailand before joining the Mekong.

 

Thailand’s Pollution Control Department is closely observing the situation, as contamination tends to rise during the rainy season. Authorities have warned locals not to use river water for domestic or agricultural purposes due to health risks.

 

Furthermore, the Thai government is set to engage in direct talks with Myanmar to find a sustainable solution, highlighting the need to safeguard communities reliant on the region’s waterways.

 

The situation not only raises public health concerns but also highlights the necessity of regional cooperation to address environmental challenges. As stakeholders prepare for dialogue, there's hope for a collaborative approach to protect these vital water resources, crucial to the livelihoods of millions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-07

 

 

[ozz1]

Brought to Thailand by their friends over the border it's bad pollution

[carlyai]

That's terrible.

You can't tell farmers they can't use the water from the Mekhong for crops. ...what else can they do?

All boarder governments must fix this problem quickly.

[FlorC]

Bomb the mines.