Overview
- Researchers in northern Thailand reported elevated arsenic, mercury, lead and cadmium in recent water, fish and sediment samples from Mekong tributaries.
- The findings point to rare earth extraction in Myanmar and Laos that flushes toxic waste into rivers that flow into Thailand.
- Satellite work by the Stimson Center mapped nearly 800 suspected unregulated mining sites across Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, with many located in conflict areas.
- Thai officials say they lack leverage over cross-border operations, so the near-term response centers on monitoring, risk education and a fish-safety phone app built with local universities.
- Falling fish sales and fears for rice and fruit exports show the human and economic stakes for the 70 million people who depend on the Mekong Basin.