CHIANG MAI, Thailand — More than 30 members of the People’s Network to Protect the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong Rivers gathered outside the Chinese Consulate in Chiang Mai on Sunday, calling on China to take responsibility for alleged cross-border toxic pollution linked to mining operations in a neighboring country. The demonstrators marched to the consulate carrying banners reading “Stop Toxic Mining” and “When Will China Be Sincere?” They also presented samples of contaminated river water and a traditional minced fish dish made with fish from the Kok River as a symbolic gesture highlighting concerns over pollution.
The group submitted a statement urging China, whose companies are involved in mining projects across the border, to take immediate and meaningful action to address toxic contamination affecting rivers flowing into northern Thailand. The Chinese Consulate was closed to the public on the day of the protest.
A confrontation later broke out between police and demonstrators outside the consulate, leaving two protesters injured. One suffered a fractured left arm and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Environmental groups have raised ongoing concerns about pollution affecting the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong river systems, warning that contamination could threaten local communities, agriculture and fisheries downstream. (TNA)
