The Nation —
Environmental campaigners rallied outside the Myanmar Consulate in Chiang Mai on August 3, demanding that Myanmar’s military government halt mining operations they allege are contaminating the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong rivers.
Members of the Network for the Protection of the Kok, Sai, Ruak and Mekong Rivers marched from Santitham Temple carrying bottles of water collected from the four waterways before gathering outside the consulate at about 10.30am.
Police officers in uniform and plain clothes were deployed around the building after authorities were informed of the planned demonstration.
Pol Col Sawek Choosiri, superintendent of Chang Phueak Police Station, later accepted the campaigners’ petition and water samples on behalf of the consulate for delivery through official channels.
Campaigners seek acknowledgement from Myanmar
Dr Suebsakul Kijnukul said the petition was addressed to Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and called on the military government to acknowledge that mining operations were causing environmental problems affecting communities in Myanmar, Thailand and the wider Mekong basin.