12/06/2025
Chiang Rai Governor Reassures Farmers: Kok River Water Safe for Agriculture Under Specific Conditions, Emphasizes Official Data
CHIANG RAI, Thailand – On June 11, 2025, Chiang Rai Governor Mr. Charin Thongsuk visited Wiang Chai district to engage with and reassure local farmers regarding ongoing concerns about water quality in the Kok River. This visit comes after the Environment and Pollution Control Office Region 1 (ECPC1) in Chiang Mai confirmed the presence of arsenic exceeding standard levels in certain parts of the Kok River.
The Governor emphasized the provincial government's commitment to transparency, stating that all water quality data is consistently released monthly. He urged the public to rely solely on credible sources, such as official government agencies with certified laboratories and legal authority, to avoid misinformation.
Addressing concerns about drinking water, it was confirmed that tap water supplied by the Provincial Waterworks Authority (Chiang Rai branch) and village water systems, both sourced from the Kok River, undergoes rigorous treatment processes. Tests from both the Provincial Waterworks Authority and Medical Sciences Center 1/1 in Chiang Rai affirm that the treated water is safe for consumption.
Crucially, regarding the use of Kok River water for agriculture, the Provincial Agriculture Office clarified that farming can continue under specific conditions. They highlighted that improving soil quality to a pH of 6.5 or above significantly reduces heavy metal absorption by plants. Latest tests by Medical Sciences Center 1/1 on plants and aquatic animals in areas using Kok River water also show arsenic levels to be within standard limits, further indicating its suitability for agriculture.
The Provincial Agriculture Office also stressed the importance of personal hygiene for farmers working in natural water bodies, advising the use of protective gear like boots and clothing to prevent long-term chemical residue buildup on the skin. While local farmers in Wiang Chai largely trust official laboratory results, they also expressed a strong desire for the government to address the root cause of the pollution.
Governor Thongsuk concluded by reiterating the importance of trusting authorized government data and cautioning against unverified information.