BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokham plans to call a meeting with relevant agencies to address heavy metal contamination in the Kok and Mekong rivers, following reports of elevated arsenic levels in river sediments.
The Pollution Control Department (PCD) recently detected arsenic concentrations exceeding safety standards at several testing points. Officials attributed the spike to the current dry season, noting that reduced water volumes and slower currents have accelerated the accumulation of toxic sediments on the riverbeds.
While authorities maintain that aquatic life remains safe for consumption, they have issued strict public health guidelines. Residents are advised to thoroughly cook all freshwater catches, avoid eating the same species daily, and significantly reduce consumption of bottom-feeding animals such as shrimp and shellfish. Officials specifically warned against eating fish organs or bellies, where toxins are most likely to accumulate.
While researchers have flagged high contamination in northern border areas, environmental advocates and regional experts point to unregulated mining activities upstream as likely being a significant contributor.
The Ministry of Agriculture is now implementing monitoring systems to safeguard public health and local water sources from this suspected transboundary pollution. (TNA)
