Thailand and Myanmar have agreed to establish a special joint panel to tackle contamination in the Kok and Sai rivers, which flow along their shared border. The decision was made during a bilateral meeting held on August 20 at the Jasmine Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw according to the Thai news agency, The Nation.
Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi highlighted Myanmar’s efforts to safeguard water resources, including the formation of the National Water Resource Committee and the release of National Surface Water Quality Standards in 2024 in cooperation with international organizations.
The Thai delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, included Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich and officials from related agencies. Prasert emphasized Thailand’s policies on water quality management, pollution prevention, and international cooperation, pledging to work closely with Myanmar to protect shared water resources.
Following the discussions, three resolutions were reached: Both countries will strengthen cooperation to address environmental challenges and improve river water quality. Regular bilateral discussions will be held to exchange information and coordinate water resource management. A joint technical working group will be formed to implement concrete measures to resolve river contamination.
The talks were prompted by allegations from Thailand that extensive gold and heavy metal mining in Shan State had polluted the rivers with hazardous chemicals, particularly arsenic. Officials noted that mining activities, especially during heavy rains, wash toxic substances into upstream tributaries that eventually flow into Thailand.
The two sides also discussed promoting environmentally friendly mining practices and raising public awareness of conservation. Both ministers stressed that cooperation at local and national levels was vital to address the contamination, which has impacted communities on both sides of the border.
