China · Thai Examiner
Chiang Rai river basin findings ramp up the pressure on Thailand to act over poison flowing from Burma
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Key facts
- Thailand’s arsenic pollution crisis has spread from northern rivers into farmland, with alarming new tests finding 20% of sampled agricultural soils in the Chiang Rai river basin above safety limits and another 50% requiring monitoring
- Sai River arsenic reaches 28 times the reference level as mining expands across the border in Burma
- With arsenic in the Sai River measured at 28 times the reference level, Bangkok faces a worsening crisis beyond its direct control.
- Arsenic in Chiang Rai farmland raises the stakes for Bangkok
- Preliminary findings released on Saturday show 20% of tested agricultural soils exceeding acceptable arsenic limits.
- Another 50% requires monitoring, leaving only 30% within normal limits
Summary
### Arsenic in Chiang Rai farmland raises the stakes for Bangkok. Tests find 20% of sampled soils over limits and another 50% requiring checks. Farmers face crop changes and no compensation plan as pollution linked to mining in Burma evades Thai control.
Thailand’s arsenic pollution crisis has spread from northern rivers into farmland, with alarming new tests finding 20% of sampled agricultural soils in the Chiang Rai river basin above safety limits and another 50% requiring monitoring. Farmers now face possible crop restrictions without compensation, while ministers face mounting pressure over food safety and contaminated irrigation water.
Fresh evidence of widespread arsenic contamination in Chiang Rai’s farmland has intensified pressure on the Thai government to act. Preliminary findings released on Saturday show 20% of tested agricultural soils exceeding acceptable arsenic limits.