CHIANG RAI, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Captain Thamanat Prompow has launched an urgent mission to tackle chemical contamination in the Kok River and restore confidence among Chiang Rai farmers and residents.
The Deputy Prime Minister and his delegation team reviewed ongoing water management efforts in the Kok River Basin and later visited the Wiang Chai District Office to hear directly from local communities. They also distributed agricultural assistance, including land title deeds, fish breeds, and bio-fertilizers, to farmers affected by recent floods.
Captain Thamanat emphasized that environmental challenges,
including floods, landslides, and pollution from chemical residues in the Kok River, continue to threaten the well-being of residents, stressing the need for Thailand to hold clear discussions with neighboring countries to prevent the release of chemicals into tributaries that flow into Thai territory. The issue will be raised at the upcoming cabinet meeting for diplomatic action.
The Ministry of Agriculture has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to consider building a sediment-trapping weir upstream, before the river flows into Mae Ai District, to filter contaminants before they reach Chiang Rai. Related departments will work together to test the quality of water, soil, and aquatic life to ensure safety for consumption. The Royal Irrigation Department has also been assigned to identify alternative water sources for public use to reduce reliance on the Kok River.
A provincial committee will be established to oversee water rehabilitation and environmental safety, with local leaders participating to ensure real results on the ground. The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods, pledging to raise agricultural product prices within three months to secure stable incomes. (NNT)
