Chinese ambassador invited to discuss river pollution

Residents affected by heavy metal pollution from unregulated mining operations in Myanmar rally at the Kok River Bridge in Chiang Rai in June last year, displaying a banner that reads ‘Stop the Toxic Mines, Return Lives to the Kok River’. (Photo supplied)

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.