Chiang Rai:Residents in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province are expressing growing concerns over increased daily expenses and health risks due to ongoing toxic contamination in the Sai River.
According to Thai News Agency, recent water quality tests detected arsenic levels in the river that exceeded safe standards by up to 28 times. Although subsequent readings showed a decrease to about 17 times above standard levels, enabling local tap water production to resume, the river remains reddish-cloudy and shallow as it flows through Koh Sai and Mae Sai communities.
Kiangkham Khonsangsaen, a 70-year-old farmer from San Sai Mai village, recounted that the river was previously clear and used extensively for household purposes and irrigating crops. However, after severe flooding in 2024, the water quality has significantly deteriorated and remained turbid.
To meet agricultural and household needs, Kiangkham's family has resorted to drilling a groundwater well and using a pump, which incurs additional fuel and equipment costs ranging from 200 to 300 baht per pumping session. The high arsenic levels have also led families to depend on bottled drinking water, adding over 500 baht to their monthly expenses.
Local residents are urging government authorities and relevant agencies to address the chemical contamination issue, restore the river's water quality, and ensure the provision of safe water sources for those affected.