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Myanmar’s Gold Rush Puts Mekong and Regional Waterways at Risk
Image: Taylor Weidman / Alamy Image: Taylor Weidman / Alamy Unregulated gold mining in Myanmar’s eastern Shan state is threatening major international rivers and cross-border communities, as satellite data and on-the-ground accounts reveal growing environmental contamination and a near-total absence of oversight. The Nam Kham, or “Golden River,” once a life-sustaining source for rural farmers like Sai U in Mong Len, has turned dark and toxic due to runoff from illegal mining operations around the sacred Loi Kham mountain. “They drank the water, took a few steps, and just collapsed,” Sai U said of his poisoned cattle. Since Myanmar’s 2021 coup, gold mining—often operated by Chinese firms or groups tied to armed militias—has surged in formerly protected or conflict-displaced lands. Cyanide, a toxic chemical used in gold extraction, is widely employed without safety infrastructure. Satellite images show an estimated 1,780 hectares of active mining in Shan state, with suspected cyanide-leaching ponds sitting alarmingly close to tributaries of the Mekong and Sai rivers. Experts say that during floods, runoff from these sites likely carries cyanide and heavy metals downstream, endangering ecosystems and millions who rely on the Lower Mekong Basin for water and food. In September 2024, historic floods in Thailand’s Mae Sai district were traced to upstream land degradation from mining and deforestation in eastern Shan. Despite these risks, local and international agencies have remained largely silent. The Mekong River Commission declined to comment, and Myanmar’s environmental regulation has collapsed. Areas such as Mong Len are under militia control, beyond the reach of central authorities. Locals, once vocal, now remain quiet—protests ended after a fatal police shooting in 2015. China’s role is pivotal. While its domestic miners face strict controls, Chinese companies in Myanmar operate freely, aided by local militias like the United Wa State Army (UWSA), which have tacit support from Myanmar’s military. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative delisted Myanmar in 2024, citing lack of accountability. As gold extraction continues largely unchecked, the environmental and human costs are rising—quietly flowing downstream, across borders, and toward a slow-burning regional crisis. -2025-05-05 -
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Community German National Rescued After Reportedly Being Left Homeless in Jomtien
No, I don´t hate foreigners. Only people who comes to a foreign country and in one way or another ends up with problems. Oh, wait now! Also all the ones on AN that think they are superior to Thai people. As we are discussing on the platform mentioned, I guess that leaves little to imagination, right Mr. Cowboy! Are you ready? -
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Which ฿30/Gram Weed Seller Is Your Favorite?
Don't care about the high ......... Just want the pain in my finger joints to go away! 5bht/gm works for that. -
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What is it about Trump that triggers you and causes you so much angst and unease
Maybe. However people were hoping the promises to come true. Trump told the people what they want and wanted to hear. Don't forget only half of American voters believed it. The other half recover from shock induced paralysis. -
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Transgender Swimmer Ana Caldas Sweeps Five Events at National Meet, Sparks Backlash
This whole men pretending to be women, sorry' transgender', has kinda rocked my bleeding heart liberal soul to the core. These are men, dressing as women with male genitalia, aka transvestites, although maybe thats now an offensive term, who knows, maybe I've just lost the plot I was actually rather proud of Gavin Newsom, Gov of California bravely stuck his head over the parapet to actually say the obvious, that basically transgender men in women's sports is basically nuts, much to the ire of the radical LGBTQ+*&^%$#@, dunno how many more things they can add, community -
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Myanmar Junta Blamed for 200 Deaths Despite Post-Quake Ceasefire, UN
TNLA The United Nations has condemned Myanmar’s military for launching over 240 attacks since a devastating earthquake, killing more than 200 civilians despite a declared ceasefire meant to enable aid delivery. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk issued a stark rebuke on Friday, warning that “unremitting violence” continues to inflict suffering on an already devastated population. The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on 28 March killed nearly 3,800 people and briefly prompted a ceasefire agreed by both the junta and its opponents to facilitate relief efforts. But according to Türk, between the quake and 29 April, Myanmar’s military carried out at least 243 assaults, including 171 airstrikes. “The vast majority of these attacks occurred after the ceasefire was announced,” he said, accusing the military of allowing the truce to lapse without honouring its spirit. The military seized power in a 2021 coup, toppling the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and plunging the country into civil conflict. Now, in the aftermath of natural disaster, the junta stands accused of compounding the suffering of civilians through renewed violence. “It is imperative that the military immediately stop all attacks on civilians and civilian objects,” Türk urged. He added that nearly 20 million people in Myanmar depend on humanitarian aid — a lifeline now jeopardised by airstrikes and ground assaults. “The people need peace, protection, and access to basic necessities. Instead, they face bombs,” he said. The UN is demanding unfettered humanitarian access and calling for a return to democratic rule. As the junta renews its military campaign, global pressure is mounting for accountability and a genuine end to hostilities. -2025-05-05
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