Myanmar mines poison Thailand's Kok River with arsenic

Toxic waste from Myanmar mines is polluting the Kok River in Thailand, leading to rising arsenic levels and impacting local communities. The pollution stems from approximately a dozen mines in Myanmar's Shan state, controlled by the United Wa State Army. High arsenic levels, nearly five times international drinking water standards, have been detected in Thai waterways, threatening aquatic life and the food chain. Thai authorities are urging China to supervise its mining firms operating in Myanmar, while environmentalists protest the pollution. The situation highlights the challenges of transboundary pollution and the impact of conflict on environmental regulations.