‘We do not welcome a criminal like you Min Aung Hlaing’

Thai environmental activist Pianporn Deetes, the executive director of the River and Rights Foundation, held a sign that read: “We do not welcome a criminal like you Min Aung Hlaing” during a protest outside of the United Nations in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 6. Pianporn stated that, as a resident of Chiang Rai affected by toxic contamination, she refuses to welcome Min Aung Hlaing because he is a criminal responsible for polluting Thailand’s rivers. She noted that six Thai rivers—including Kok, Sai, Ruak, Mekong, and Kra Buri—have been affected by contamination from mining operations in Myanmar. Pianporn added that Thailand welcoming him in this manner is completely unacceptable. (Credit: The Reporters) Transcript: “Previously, we expected Prime Minister Anutin to meet with the public before signing the [Terms of Reference] with Myanmar. However, he never listened to our voices and continues to welcome the criminal who damaged Thailand’s rivers. We expected the Thai Prime Minister to protect our rivers from danger,” said Pianporn. “We do not welcome Min Aung Hlaing to Thailand. Why am I here today? Because I am from Chiang Rai. The rivers that my family and millions of Thai people depend on have been contaminated by toxic heavy metals from unregulated mining upstream in Myanmar. The Kok, Sai, Ruak, Mekong, Salween, and Kraburi Rivers are all affected. Communities are forced to live with contaminated water, while mining for rare earths and other critical minerals continues. The Myanmar military claims these mining areas are beyond its control. I do not believe that. Before meeting Min Aung Hlaing, I hoped Prime Minister Anutin [Charnvirakul] would first visit the affected communities in northern Thailand and listen to the people living with this crisis. That did not happen. This is why I am protesting today. Journalist: What do you want from the Thai government?