Thai-Myanmar border river pollution to be jointly investigated

(August 6) Mizzima. The Thai side has announced that both Thailand and Myanmar will jointly inspect the situation of pollution in the river flowing across the border. Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said on August 6 that he had invited Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, to visit Thailand to inspect the situation of the border river. This invitation emerged during a meeting between the Thai Prime Minister and Myanmar's civilian-military junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, in Bangkok. Don Pramudwinai stated that both Thailand and Myanmar have agreed to form a joint technical team to address the border river pollution problem. "We will have the joint technical team meet as soon as possible and study the situation," the Thai Foreign Minister said. He added that the pollution problem in the waterways of northern Thailand has become one of the main concerns for the Thai people. Cooperation on Border Security and Crime Fighting Don Pramudwinai said that other important areas for cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar include combating cross-border crimes such as online scam operations and drug trafficking, as well as reducing air pollution. He stated that Myanmar, as Thailand's neighbor, faces border security, economic cooperation, and environmental issues on a daily basis. Thailand's "Two-Pronged Policy" on Myanmar Regarding the Myanmar issue, Don Pramudwinai said that Thailand will continue to maintain pragmatic bilateral relations and continue to implement a "two-pronged policy" that supports Myanmar's peace and stability. He said that Min Aung Hlaing told the Thai side that Myanmar is transitioning to democracy and striving for economic development. Although there are doubts about these statements, Thailand welcomes positive developments towards Myanmar's peace and stability, Don Pramudwinai said. Thailand cited the release of some political prisoners in Myanmar, the house arrest of a prominent prisoner, and recent visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as positive signs. Support for ASEAN Re-engagement He said that Thailand will continue to support Myanmar's re-engagement within ASEAN and the implementation of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus. "The most important thing is implementation," Don Pramudwinai said, adding that ASEAN should find ways to achieve progress rather than waiting for the situation to change. Regarding criticism that receiving Min Aung Hlaing would legitimize the military politically, Don Pramudwinai responded that Thailand, as a neighbor, is dealing with the current situation. "This is not legitimizing. We are dealing with the reality on the ground," he said. Thailand Offers to Host Peace Talks The Thai Foreign Minister further stated that Thailand is ready to host peace talks between conflicting parties in Myanmar if they wish. "There can be no outright victory through military means. It is time to resolve it through political means. Five years is too long. The people have suffered enough," he said. The issue of pollution in the Thai-Myanmar border river is not only an environmental matter but also relates to border security, economy, and human security for both countries. Despite Thailand's emphasis on cooperation during Min Aung Hlaing's visit to Bangkok, criticism of Thailand's policy is likely to continue due to the political conflict and human rights situation in Myanmar.