Health Department dismisses claims of elevated arsenic levels in children
In a recent developments, concerns about heavy metal contamination in the water and sediment of the Kok and Sai rivers have been raised, following findings by the Department of Pollution Control (PCD). Reports suggest that the contamination is primarily due to mining activities in Myanmar, leading to toxic substances entering the rivers [1][4].
Social media reports claimed that two children in the Kok River basin had toxic levels of arsenic. Urine samples collected on May 19, 2025, confirmed these elevated arsenic levels in two children, ages 2 and 6, who regularly consumed fish from the river [3][5]. However, the Department of Health has not found any cases of arsenic levels exceeding the safety limit in the tested samples [7][8].
Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak, the department director-general, stated that urine samples were tested from 15 residents in affected areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, ranging in age from three to over 60 [6]. She also confirmed that none of the tested individuals had arsenic levels above the safety limit [9]. The Department of Health's laboratory is recognised for its accuracy in heavy metal testing.
The PCD is actively working to address the contamination, conducting environmental sampling and monitoring the situation [1]. Recent testing by the PCD confirmed excessive heavy metals in water and sediment samples from the Kok and Sai rivers [2]. The highest detected arsenic level was close to 70 microgrammes per litre [3].
Authorities have urged caution, advising against using the water from the Kok and Sai rivers due to the excessive heavy metals. The Department of Health is also continuing to monitor other heavy metals, including lead and cadmium [10].
A study by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) found that 70% of the contamination in the Kok River stems from rare-earth mining, while 30% is attributed to gold mining in Myanmar [4]. If such a case did exist where arsenic levels exceeded the safety limit, the Department of Health would inform the public immediately [6].
In summary, while concerns about heavy metal contamination in the Kok and Sai rivers have been raised, the Department of Health has not found any cases of arsenic levels exceeding the safety limit in the tested samples. The PCD is actively working to address the contamination and continues to monitor the situation.
- The findings in environmental science about the Kok and Sai rivers raise concerns about medical-conditions, as the high levels of heavy metals, particularly arsenic, could potentially impact health-and-wellness.
- Although rare-earth and gold mining activities in Myanmar are contributing to heavy metal contamination in the Kok River, as per the study by Thailand Science Research and Innovation, no cases of arsenic levels exceeding the safety limit have been found in medical-condition tests conducted by the Department of Health.
