Bangkok: The government is accelerating the creation of a water quality monitoring network across Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, installing arsenic removal systems and water quality testing kits to mitigate the impact of transboundary heavy metals.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, prioritizes protecting public safety from transboundary heavy metal contamination in water sources. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is working in collaboration with the Japanese government, international organizations, and neighboring countries to develop water quality monitoring systems, install arsenic removal systems, and systematically upgrade water quality management.
Ms. Lalida stated that Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, has instructed the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to continue cooperating with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japanese Embassy in Thailand to jointly address water pollution and transboundary heavy metal contamination, particularly in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces and the Mekong River basin.
The initial phase of cooperation will involve developing an integrated arsenic management plan, providing water quality test kits and training on their use to agencies and communities to strengthen community-based water quality monitoring systems, and installing arsenic removal filtration systems for village water supply systems. A site visit to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces is scheduled for July 16-17, 2026, to hold discussions with the provincial governors and relevant agencies before commencing implementation in the area.
Furthermore, the Pollution Control Department, in collaboration with JICA, has implemented the Third Country Training Program (TCTP) to enhance the capacity of personnel in water and sediment quality monitoring in Thailand, Myanmar, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This initiative also aims to build a collaborative network for water quality surveillance in the Mekong sub-region, thereby improving the sustainable management of transboundary pollution.
"The government is moving forward with integrating cooperation both domestically and internationally to address water pollution problems at their source, coupled with upgrading water quality monitoring and management systems. This is to ensure public confidence in the use of water for consumption and to create long-term water resource security for the country," Ms. Lalida said.