New M-Sense Technology Deployed to Detect Arsenic in Mae Sai
Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat introduced the 'M-Sense' testing kit at the Thai-Myanmar border to address heavy metal contamination in the Sai River.
On November 15, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Yodchanan Wongsawat, visited the Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai to address concerns regarding arsenic and heavy metal contamination in the Sai River. During the visit to the First Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, officials observed the deployment of 'M-Sense,' a portable testing innovation developed by the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
The M-Sense system is designed for field use, allowing for the detection of arsenic and heavy metals within five minutes at a cost of approximately 60 baht per test. The process utilizes a specialized testing solution and an electrode chip connected to a computer-based reader, aiming to provide accessible and rapid water quality monitoring for local residents.
For residents and travelers in the area, this technology represents a significant step toward monitoring environmental safety in a region where water quality has been visibly impacted by sediment. While the deployment of this tool offers a practical method for immediate assessment, the long-term effectiveness of the water remediation models and the full extent of the contamination levels in the broader river basin remain subjects for ongoing observation and official confirmation by environmental authorities.
