Water safety initiative gains Japan's technical assistanceKok River (photo: Panumet Tanraksa)The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has sought Tokyo's support in collecting water samples from Myanmar's Shan State to identify a source of toxic runoff. The PCD said Japan is keen to take part in Thailand's initiative to tackle water pollution and has also engaged in similar projects in Myanmar. Two main sources of arsenic in the Kok River could stem from either agriculture or rare-earth mining, he said. On Tuesday, the department conducted a laboratory test on water samples collected from the Kok River. To ensure water safety in Chiang Rai, the department will seek the cabinet's approval for 2.25 billion baht to build a new waterworks plant in Mae Sai district next month.

Source: Bangkok Post February 26, 2026 01:51 UTC