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A well-known scholar states that the Thai government must take further action to involve Myanmar and its autonomous ethnic regions in addressing increasing transboundary pollution in the Salween and Mekong rivers caused by arsenic contamination.

Communities and ecosystems on either side of the border face risks due to pollution caused by mining, according to Assoc Prof Surasak Boonrueang from the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Center at Thammasat University in Bangkok.

New laboratory findings revealed that the arsenic concentration in the Salween River is significantly higher than acceptable levels, leading the Sop Moei district head in Mae Hong Son to prohibit locals from using the river water and eating fish from it.

The pollution is thought to originate from mining activities in Karen and Shan states, where tin and rare-earth mining have significantly impacted the Kok and Mekong river basins. The military regime has limited control over these regions, making it difficult to implement remedies.

Associate Professor Surasak stated on Friday that Thailand should work together with Myanmar to create a Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (TEIA) system, ensuring that environmental risks are evaluated and made public prior to approving mining licenses.

The system would compel private operators in Myanmar to disclose their operations, assess environmental effects, and present strategies for reducing harm, while allowing Thai authorities to oversee and address pollution that crosses borders.

‘People in both nations rely on these rivers for their everyday needs. Conducting cross-border impact studies is crucial to safeguard human health and common environments,’ he stated.

He referenced a Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan TEIA pilot initiative for a copper-gold mining venture as a global example that Thailand might consider.

In the immediate future, Assoc Prof Surasak called on the government to provide emergency support to impacted communities and create a centralized public warning system.

At present, various organizations gather environmental data on their own, leading to conflicting details.

Associate Professor Surasak suggested that the Pollution Control Department (PCD) should take charge of water quality monitoring and manage a centralized database.

The Mekong River Agreement in Thailand, involving Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, with China and Myanmar as dialogue partners, could also act as a blueprint, he mentioned.

The system mandates that member countries inform one another about activities that could impact the river network, including dam water discharges, aiding governments in developing strategies to reduce negative effects.

Chief Kamphan Mokthaisong of Sop Moei stated on Wednesday that water and fish samples from three locations are being retested by the PCD and the Department of Water Resources, with findings anticipated within seven days.

Local communities rely on the Salween for fishing, farming, animal rearing, and domestic purposes, with floating households being the most dependent on direct river water.

Previous studies conducted by the Health Science Research Institute at Chiang Mai University discovered arsenic concentrations five times higher than the safe limit in areas of Mae Sariang, along with other heavy metals approaching dangerous levels, sparking concerns about potential long-term effects on aquatic ecosystems and local communities.

The PCD will collaborate with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency to identify potential sources.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).