China · Japan · Thai Enquirer
Government urged to use diplomacy as groups rally over toxic cross-border pollution
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The government faced mounting pressure on Wednesday to use diplomatic measures against cross-border toxic pollution linked to mining in Myanmar, as civil society groups rallied outside the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok and opposition figures warned contamination was affecting six rivers.
Key facts
- The foundation said historical satellite imagery showed preparations for one rare-earth mine 3.6 kilometres east of the Kok River beginning in mid-2023, while work on another 2.6 kilometres west of the river began in mid-2024.
- In a May 18, 2026 report, the foundation also alleged that the Chinese-operated rare-earth mines were using trafficked workers from scam compounds as forced labour
- Citing testimony from a 25-year-old trafficking survivor using the pseudonym “Ko Thet”, it said he and two colleagues were transferred in April 2025 from a Chinese scam operation in the UWSA-owned Yaung Ni Oo compound in Tachileik to a
- It also cited a Tachileik administration official as saying a police raid on the compound on February 4, 2026 led to the arrest of 150 Chinese nationals, mostly trafficking victims, while more than 300 Chinese scam operators from at least
- The contamination was also taking an economic toll, he said, with more than 80% of riverside tourism businesses already closed
- Citing United Nations data, he said Chinese interests held 90% stakes in mining companies linked to the issue.
Summary
The protest began at 10 a.m. outside the embassy on Ratchadaphisek Road, with groups demanding that China investigate mining operations blamed for heavy-metal contamination affecting the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong rivers. The rally came as People’s Party MP Phattarapong Leelaphat and former diplomat Pisan Manawapat accused the government of failing to respond adequately to a widening pollution crisis.
The Shan Human Rights Foundation has identified Chinese Investment Mining Company as the operator of two rare-earth mines in Mong Yawn, southern Mong Hsat, eastern Shan State, and said the Chinese state-backed company is also behind a major gold-mining operation along the Kok River.