BANGKOK, Thailand – Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has informed parliament that efforts are being intensified to address contamination in the Kok River, as well as measures on land rights and community forests. The clarification came during a House of Representatives session following questions over environmental impacts, public health concerns, and land security for residents living in forest areas.
Suchart said authorities have closely monitored the Kok River situation since 2025 and established a special task force to assess impacts and coordinate response measures. The government has also worked with neighboring countries through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mitigate potential impacts on ecosystems and communities in the river basin. Officials from the Pollution Control Department continue collecting water and sediment samples, while public health and fisheries agencies assess impacts on residents and aquatic life.
Authorities are also working to secure backup water sources for tap water production in at-risk areas, improve village water systems, clean groundwater wells, and assist schools, temples, and local communities affected by water quality concerns.
On land rights issues, Suchart said the government is accelerating the issuance of land rights documents to more than 800,000 people by 2027, while expanding community forest programs covering more than 6 million rai of land used by over 4 million people. Authorities are also promoting income generation through carbon credit systems and working to reduce electricity costs for residents in community forest areas by seeking equal utility rates with standard users. (NNT)
