River Kok in Chiang Rai poisoned with arsenic from Wa state-controlled gold mining across the border

 However, critics say that’s not enough. “You can’t solve this with sandbags,” said environmental health expert Somporn Phengkham. “We need sediment analysis, water testing, and mercury checks. Arsenic may be just one of many toxins.”

She said mercury often accompanies gold mining. “It can enter the food chain through catfish and predators. This could affect pregnant women and children first.”

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