The situation along the Kok River in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces is under close watch after a meeting on February 24, 2026 confirmed arsenic accumulation in the hair and nails of riverside residents. Of 90 people randomly tested across four high-risk locations, 16 were found to have arsenic levels exceeding safety standards, indicating prolonged exposure.
Those with elevated levels have begun showing symptoms such as numbness in hands and feet, muscle weakness, skin abnormalities, and in some cases, respiratory problems. The primary sources of exposure are believed to be contaminated river water and agricultural products grown using that water, with previous sediment tests in parts of the river showing arsenic levels above acceptable limits.
Several groups are calling for arsenic poisoning to be designated as a “surveillance disease” to enable systematic health monitoring and response. Residents are urgently seeking clear guidance on water usage and food consumption, as the issue poses a direct and serious public health risk.
Cr. SustainDaily
