Bangkok: The Prime Minister called for a pivotal meeting with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to address the contamination issues plaguing the Kok River. This meeting aimed to assess the progress in resolving the toxic substance contamination in both the Kok and Sai Rivers and to establish a strategy for negotiations with Myanmar regarding mining practices.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting, held at The Athenee Hotel on Witthayu Road, was attended by prominent officials, including Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Marist Sengiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Ms. Thirarat Samretwanich, Deputy Minister of Interior, Gen. Songwit Noonpakdee, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, Gen. Thongchai Rodyoi, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, and Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The Prime Minister had previously tasked Mr. Prasert, in his role supervising the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with collaborating to monitor and report on the management of the contamination sources. He was also directed to negotiate with Myanmar to halt or improve mining methods to prevent further discharge of contaminants into the water sources. The coordination for a negotiation date with Myanmar is still pending.
Later in the morning, at 10:00 a.m., the Prime Minister delivered a policy statement at the closing ceremony of the 2025 World Ambassadors and Consuls General Meeting, held at the same venue.