A northern river protection network has invited China's ambassador to Thailand to visit Chiang Rai on World Environment Day and hear concerns over toxic river pollution linked to cross-border mining activities.
The group also submitted a letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, calling for the issue to be treated as a national priority and for stronger government action against pollution in rivers shared with Myanmar and Laos.
The appeals come amid growing concerns over contamination in rivers along Thailand's borders with Myanmar and Laos, where local groups blame poorly regulated mining operations for releasing heavy metals into waterways that communities rely on.
The Local Community Network for Mae Kok, Mae Sai, Ruak, Mekong and Salawin River Protection on Tuesday released letters to Mr Anutin and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei, urging immediate action to address pollution linked to mining activities in neighbouring countries.
The invitation forms part of the network's World Environment Day activities on Friday, which include a Dhamma Yatra, or "walk with Dhamma", and public seminars aimed at raising awareness of the environmental and health impacts of river contamination.
The group says mining operations in Myanmar and Laos have contributed to the accumulation of toxic substances, including arsenic, lead and cadmium, in transboundary rivers flowing into Thailand.
In its letter to Mr Anutin, the network called for a national committee to oversee responses to contaminated rivers and called for stronger engagement with Myanmar, China and autonomous areas involved in the mining trade.
The group also called for a halt to shipments of rare earth minerals and other industrial ores transported from Myanmar through Thailand to China. Other proposals include providing alternative sources of clean water for affected communities, better monitoring for heavy-metal contamination in water and river sediment, and compensating floating raft restaurant operators whose businesses have been affected by concerns over aquatic food safety.
In its letter to Mr Zhang, the network asked that he visit Chiang Rai to hear from residents affected by mining activities in Myanmar's autonomous regions and Laos. The request followed remarks by the Chinese embassy indicating water quality in the affected rivers remained within safety standards.
