The governor of Chiang Rai province has ordered officials at the provincial natural resources and environment office to take water samples from the Kok River, for testing for traces of cyanide.
It is reported that several Chinese companies have mining operations, particularly gold mining, in Mong Hsat, which is under the United Wa State Army’s control, about 36km from the Thai border. Cyanide is widely used in commercial gold mining.
The water in the river, which flows from Shan state in Myanmar and through Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai and Chiang Saen district of Chiang Rai, has turned murky in the past few days, raising concern among people living along the river about its safety.
The Kok River also has three tributaries, Lao, Korn and Mae Sruey.
Initial findings by environment officials show that the water quality is fine, with oxygen and pH levels within acceptable limits, but testing for contaminants will take about a month.
