Regarding heavy-metal contamination linked to unregulated mining in Myanmar, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department noted during a public forum in Mae Hong Son that:

“Current test results show that heavy-metal levels in fish and vegetables have not exceeded safety standards. However, this does not mean they will remain safe in the future. Continuous monitoring is essential.

“In the long term, if mining expands across multiple areas in Myanmar, we are already seeing widespread and largely uncontrolled chemical use. Environmental restoration required by law may not be carried out because the costs are high, and the damage could simply be left behind. This raises serious concerns for future generations. At present, investment companies are extracting every mineral they can find, which is extremely dangerous.”

March 14, 2026

Today, communities of the Salween River basin—together with youth groups, women, and Indigenous peoples—stood together to defend the river and call for urgent action to address contamination in one of the most important rivers in the region.