Thailand demanding action on mining waste flowing from Myanmar

Thailand has told China and Myanmar that mines operating in Myanmar need to build dykes to hold back the contaminated waste that is polluting rivers flowing across the border into Thailand. 

Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat reaffirmed the need for the dykes during his visit to Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, bordering Myanmar, on Sunday.

He went to a Thai-Myanmar border bridge across the Sai River where the water was reddish and murky. He said the mining waste discolouring the river contained arsenic. He would push for the construction of small dykes in Myanmar to act as holding ponds and prevent the waste  being washed across the border. 

Mr Yodchanan, who is the minister for higher education, science, research and innovation, said his ministry would scientifically prove river contamination and identify the source. It would ask Chinese scientists to jointly check the results. When Chinese authorities were aware of the problem, they could discuss the issue with mining companies responsible for it, he said.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he had already discussed toxic contamination in northern Thai rivers with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow had visited Myanmar and told them Thailand suffers from the contamination because it stands downstream from the mines.

The prime minister also said the government would find a new and clean source of tap water,  to protect people in the North from the pollution.