Thailand, Myanmar to Discuss Kok River Contamination

CHIANG RAI, June 30 (TNA) – Thailand is set to hold discussions with Myanmar next week to address the contamination of the Kok River, believed to be caused by mining activities in Myanmar.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa announced that a delegation of Thai experts will travel to Naypyidaw, Myanmar, to meet with their counterparts and establish concrete solutions for the issue.

The minister’s statement follows concerns raised by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her visit to Chiang Rai province, where she monitored the flood situation in northern Thailand.

Foreign Minister Maris stated that the Prime Minister is deeply concerned and has instructed relevant agencies to seriously address the problem, including tasking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with coordinating with international parties to swiftly find solutions for the affected citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been continuously coordinating with both Myanmar and China, with both nations affirming their full cooperation with Thailand.

The upcoming meeting next week, led by an advisor to the Foreign Minister, aims to discuss and establish practical measures to resolve the contamination.

Key objectives include addressing the root cause, developing prevention and control systems to prevent pollutants from flowing into water sources, and seeking international technical assistance for sustainable management. -819 (TNA)