Pollution sparks diplomatic push

The opposition People's Party (PP) on Wednesday urged the government to lead efforts to tackle river pollution in northern Thailand, saying evidence suggests contamination may be linked to mining operations in Myanmar. This comes after PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and Chiang Mai MP Pattharapong Leelaphat met Chinese ambassador Zhang Jianwei on Tuesday at the Chinese embassy in Bangkok to discuss cross-border water pollution in the northern region. The party submitted to Mr Zhang research, water and sediment test results, and other evidence indicating the contamination may have originated from mining activities in neighbouring Myanmar rather than within Thailand. Mr Natthaphong said the party delegation was told that if credible evidence showed mines in neighbouring Myanmar were causing pollution and exporting raw materials to China, Beijing was prepared to act under its environmental laws. The embassy also assured the delegation the information would be forwarded to Beijing for further consideration, he said. Chinese officials, Mr Natthaphong said, told him the issue could not be resolved by China alone and required cooperation among Thailand, Myanmar and other parties. He expressed confidence that if Thailand, as the country directly affected, takes the lead through diplomatic channels, China would be prepared to support the effort. Responding to questions about a statement issued by the Chinese embassy, which said the information was not yet verified and urged all parties to remain objective, Mr Natthaphong said he agreed with the embassy's position. He said the issue should be settled on the facts and that China would support Thai efforts once the evidence is established. Mr Pattharapong said the party had submitted more than 500 pages of documents, including scientific studies, water and sediment test results, and the locations of 2,676 mines, for examination. Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.