Sai River Faces Critical Arsenic Contamination Crisis

The Sai River in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, is currently facing a severe environmental crisis. According to reports from Khaosod Online, local activist Niwat Roykaew has warned that the river is nearing an ecological collapse due to persistent toxic contamination. While recent measurements indicate that arsenic levels have decreased from a peak of 28 times the standard limit to 17 times, the concentration remains significantly above safety thresholds. The water in areas such as Koh Sai and Mae Sai communities remains murky and shallow, complicating local water supply efforts. Although authorities have reportedly enabled the use of raw water for tap water production again, the long-term safety of the water remains a concern for residents who rely on the river for daily consumption and agriculture. The contamination, which has persisted for over three years following major flooding and mudslides, also involves various other heavy metals and chemicals. For residents and visitors, this situation highlights ongoing risks regarding water quality and the health of the local ecosystem. It remains to be confirmed how long the remediation process will take and what specific long-term impacts these heavy metals will have on the regional water supply and public health.