People's Party leader submits evidence of river pollution to Chinese ambassador

The leader of the People's Party (People’s Party) has urged the Chinese government to help resolve the river pollution problem along the Thai-Myanmar border, which has been caused by illegal mining operations on the Myanmar side. People's Party leader Natthaphong (Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut) and Chiang Mai MP Pattharapong Leelaphat met with the Chinese ambassador at the Chinese Embassy yesterday, July 14, and submitted new evidence of river pollution. Chiang Mai MP Pattharapong told the Chinese ambassador that the problem affects all citizens and requires urgent cooperation from all relevant countries. The evidence presented by the People's Party includes scientific findings on water and sediment analyzed by the Thai Pollution Control Department and research from Naresuan University, confirming that the pollution has spread to the Kod, Sai, Rok, Mekong, and Salween rivers. It was pointed out that toxic metals are now present in fish and vegetables due to river pollution, and detailed locations of 2,676 mines operated by Chinese businessmen were also provided to the Chinese government. The Chinese ambassador to Thailand pledged to send the documents and evidence submitted by the People's Party directly to the Chinese government. The People's Party stated that it will continue to monitor the situation until the people living along the river banks regain a safe environment.