AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

Kok riverbed found to contain excessive amounts of arsenic

23 Sept 06:31 Key points summarised by AI

Sediment samples from the Kok riverbed in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai revealed arsenic levels ranging from 20-33mg/kg, significantly exceeding the safe limit of 10mg/kg and threatening aquatic ecosystems.
Beyond arsenic, other heavy metals like nickel and chromium were also found above safety levels, though provincial authorities assure that tap water from the Kok River remains safe for consumption, with regular fish testing initiated to ensure food safety.

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.