River pollution threat persists

A long-tail boat travels along the Kok River in Chiang Rai. Residents along the river continue to rely on the waterway despite concerns over heavy metal contamination linked to illegal mining operations in Myanmar. Pollution Control Department

The government should treat transboundary pollution in the Kok River basin as a national agenda issue, the National Health Commission Office (NHCO) says, as the threat to locals' health and incomes persists.

Toxic contamination from heavy metals could create severe long-term health, economic and environmental consequences for communities in the North, it warned.