Deputy Governor Siwakorn Buapong held a press conference, with various relevant agencies, to discuss their recent feild operation to monitor environmental quality in Chiang Rai’s Kok River.
The purpose was to communicate and build public understanding as well as to provide proactive services to residents regarding the issue of contamination in the area.
Activities were carried out in Ban Tha Ton Village 3, Ban Rom Thai Village 14, Ban Hat Chomphu Village 5, Ban San Ton Du Village 6, and Ban Tho Ma Kaeng Village 7 of Tha Ton Subdistrict. The team explained that while there are signs of contamination, they wished to ally public fear and urge the public to continue daily life while they found solutions.
Plans were also discussed to promote tourism to generate income for local residents, as well as to secure alternative and backup water sources to ensure safe water supply for Mae Ai residents while the issue with the current source is being resolved. At the same time, regular inspections of water quality are being carried out in the Kok River, shallow wells, groundwater, and tap water to build confidence among the people.
Authorities reported that test results show arsenic levels in the Kok River remain above the safety standard in all monitored areas. Tests on vegetables detected cadmium, lead, and mercury contamination, but insisted that all was still within safety limits. Tests on fish showed contamination of arsenic, mercury, and lead, also within safety standards. Additionally, health education has been provided to local residents so they can maintain their normal lives despite the presence of heavy metal contamination in the Kok River.
