Japan Joins Thailand’s Effort to Clean Up the Kok River

Japan Joins Thailand’s Effort to Clean Up the Kok River

Japan is working with Thailand and international organisations to address heavy-metal pollution affecting the Kok River and other waterways in the Mekong region. The project involves the Japanese government, UNIDO, JICA and Thailand’s Pollution Control Department, with monitoring systems planned for vulnerable areas in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Officials also hope to improve cooperation between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos when tracking and responding to pollution that crosses national borders. The first phase will introduce an arsenic-management plan, distribute water-testing equipment, train local agencies and install arsenic-removal systems in village water supplies. Japanese and Thai representatives are visiting affected provinces to coordinate implementation and strengthen long-term regional water-quality monitoring.