On 9 June 2025, Chiang Rai Municipality, in collaboration with the Medicinal Plants Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, organised a hands-on workshop titled “Community Water Quality Monitoring (Case Study: Kok River Pollution)” at the Chiang Rai Safe Food Learning Center. The workshop’s objective was to empower local communities in monitoring and addressing water pollution issues.
Chief Petty Officer First Class Atsadang Wisetwongsa, Municipal Clerk of Chiang Rai Municipality, presided over the opening ceremony. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raweewan Charoensup, Head of the Medicinal Plants Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, welcomed participants, outlined the workshop’s objectives, and presented findings on heavy metal contamination in agricultural soil among the target group, as well as strategies for community water quality monitoring.
The workshop engaged several experts from MFU including:
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Apisom Intralawan from the School of Management discussed the current situation of natural resources and the environment.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kowit Nambunmee from the School of Health Science elaborated on the health impacts of heavy metal contamination in the Kok River.
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Krailak Fakkaew from the School of Health Science presented strategies for reducing heavy metal contamination in natural resources and agricultural land.
Additionally, Asst.Prof. Dr.Tharakorn Maneerat from the School of Science reported on soil and water analysis and treatment for herbal plant cultivation. Dr. Praderm Wanichananan from the Innovative Herbal Plant Factory Research Team of the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) discussed methods for enhancing the production of Andrographis paniculata (Fa Talai Jone) with higher concentrations of bioactive compounds.
This training is part of the “Safe Agriculture through Citizen Science” programme, aimed at resolving the ongoing pollution crisis in the Kok River caused by the contamination of key heavy metals—arsenic, lead, and cadmium—which have severely impacted ecosystems, public health, and the local way of life.
The programme consists of five key modules: building foundational knowledge about waterborne toxins, hands-on training in water quality monitoring methods, constructing simple water filters, practicing organic farming in contaminated areas, and developing community monitoring networks.
The one-day training included both theoretical and practical sessions, along with experience sharing and feedback collection from participants. These efforts aim to establish a strong and sustainable network for community-based water quality monitoring.
