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Article

9 Jun 2025

Author:
Transborder News

Thailand: Chinese embassy responds to allegations regarding cross-border contamination by Chinese-owned mines

"China Responds to Pollution Allegations from Chinese-Operated Mines in Shan State After Thai Civil Society Sends Letter to Xi Jinping" Transborder News, 9 June 2025

On June 8, 2025, the official Facebook page of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand posted a statement from the embassy spokesperson [...] about reports that levels of heavy metals in Thailand’s Kok, Sai, and other rivers have exceeded safety standards—allegedly due to Chinese mining operations in Myanmar.

[...] stating, “The Chinese side attaches great importance to the incident of heavy metal contamination in tributaries of the Mekong River in Thailand. We have noted recent inspection reports issued by the Thai government and relevant local agencies. China supports enhanced communication and coordination between Thailand and Myanmar, encouraging a scientific, responsible investigation and a resolution through friendly dialogue.”

[...] added that Chinese companies operating abroad are required to abide by local laws and regulations. “China is willing to cooperate closely with Mekong River countries to jointly protect the ecological environment and water quality of the Mekong basin,” the statement read.

This diplomatic response followed a large demonstration held on June 5 by the Kok-Sai-Ruak-Mekong Protection Network in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces. Protesters submitted a letter addressed to President Xi Jinping, highlighting the severe suffering and anxiety of residents in northern Thailand caused by polluted rivers originating in Myanmar’s Shan State—including the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong rivers.

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