Since 2024, villagers in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai living along the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong rivers have suffered water pollution caused by runoff from gold and earth mines in Shan State, northern Myanmar.
In August that year, Mae Sai residents in Chiang Rai saw their town buried under foot-deep mud carried downstream by the Sai River from open-pit mines and deforested mountains in eastern Shan State. Toxic residues, including cyanide from mineral extraction, have reportedly flowed from rudimentary mines and been found in these rivers and sediments.
As rare earths become increasingly sought-after, ethnic armed groups in resource-rich Shan State have opened the door to mining investors, mostly from neighbouring China. These mining activities are conducted in mountainous areas without credible environmental oversight from authorities or transparent mining companies. Without proper controls, it would not be surprising if toxic waste from unchecked mining operations were dumped into rivers.
On Monday, affected villagers and civic groups held a peaceful rally near the Chinese Consulate General in Chiang Mai to submit a petition addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping, asking the Chinese government to oversee Chinese rare-earth investments in the area.
Unfortunately, the peaceful rally turned violent after police appeared to overreact while trying to prevent demonstrators from approaching the consulate. Two demonstrators were injured, reportedly suffering broken arms.
There was no need for police to use force, as the protesters were only seeking help from the Chinese government. The crowd-control police unit must clarify why unnecessary force was used and apologise.
Indeed, the protest near the consulate is also a slap in the face for the Thai government and responsible ministries. Since 2024, the government has promised to raise the issue with relevant countries, including Myanmar and China.
Beijing has proven highly effective in tackling scam operations in Myanmar through cooperation with the Thai government over the past year. Beijing even sent senior law enforcement official Liu Zhongyi to signal the seriousness with which it views the fight against scam networks.
The government under prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra responded energetically to China's request by taking drastic measures, including halting fuel supplies and cutting internet and electricity access to Myanmar border towns known as hubs for Chinese-run scam networks.
Beijing can demonstrate similar leadership again. It has leverage over the Myanmar government as well as ethnic armed groups in Shan State that control the territories where gold and rare-earth mines are located. Most importantly, the Chinese government can put pressure on Chinese investors to comply with international environmental standards. This is an opportunity to show that rare-earth supply chains can be clean, ethical and sustainable.
Next week, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit China. Thais -- especially affected villagers -- expect Mr Anutin to discuss this issue with the Chinese government and seek greater cooperation with Myanmar. Needless to say, Thais also expect the Chinese government to show sincerity and genuine concern for affected communities, befitting the special relationship between China and Thailand.
