Following media reports of arsenic levels exceeding safety standards in two children, aged 6 and 2, in Mae Ai District, due to regular consumption of fish from the Kok River, a source cited unusually high levels of arsenic in their bodies, raising public concern.
On 8 July 2025, Dr. Kittiphan Chalom, Assistant Public Health Doctor of Chiang Mai Province, held a press conference addressing the issue. He stated that after the Environmental and Pollution Control Office 1 (Chiang Mai) released findings indicating exceeded arsenic levels in the Kok River’s surface water in Mae Ai District, the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office conducted a comprehensive field investigation.
The investigation involved random testing of surface water, tap water, drinking water, plants, and aquatic animals. In addition, urine samples were collected from residents, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Dr. Kittiphan confirmed that the random checks over the past two months, no individuals were found with arsenic levels exceeding health safety standards. Moreover, there have been no confirmed cases of poisoning or symptoms affecting the respiratory, digestive, or nervous systems related to arsenic exposure.
However, while arsenic levels detected in some individuals have not exceeded the standard level that would cause acute illness, Dr. Kittiphan realized that long-term health risks cannot yet be dismissed. He emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance and close monitoring to ensure the safety of the local community.
