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Increased heavy metal contamination of border rivers threatening fish

11 Sept 17:30 Key points summarised by AI

Bagarius catfish in Thailand's Mekong and other border rivers are displaying blisters, lumps, and increased parasites, indicating severe health decline.
Investigations reveal alarming levels of heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium in fish samples, directly linked to illegal mining activities in Laos and Myanmar.
Environmental experts confirm the contamination poses a significant threat to fish health and the overall aquatic ecosystem, with potential risks to public safety.
Authorities are urged to investigate the pollution sources, conduct water safety tests for consumption, and convene urgent meetings to address the escalating crisis.

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.