BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand will hold talks with Myanmar on November 12 regarding cross-border water contamination after dangerous levels of arsenic and heavy metals were detected in the Sai River in northern Chiang Rai province, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday.
Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will travel to Myanmar on November 12. This issue will be among the topics discussed with Myanmar officials. Sihasak is scheduled to meet Myanmar’s foreign minister and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military government, Anutin said. Senior representatives from Thailand’s National Security Council and the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters will also join the delegation.
The meeting comes after tests showed arsenic and heavy metal contamination in the reddish, turbid waters of the Sai River exceeded safety standards by up to 28 times. Anutin added that the Provincial Waterworks Authority is urgently locating alternative raw water sources free of toxins to supply tap water production for affected areas. (TNA)
