On 23 March 2026, researchers from Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) presented critical findings on arsenic and heavy metal contamination within the Mekong–Kok–Sai river basin to the university’s executive team, led by President Asst. Prof. Dr Matchima Naradisorn. The comprehensive study spans environmental science, public health, international law, cultural heritage, and community economics.
The project was initiated following 2025 water quality assessments that detected arsenic and heavy metal levels exceeding safety standards. These contaminants, found across the Kok–Sai–Ruak–Mekong basin, have been attributed to upstream mining activities in Shan State, Myanmar.
In the field of environmental innovation, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattaya Tawichai from the School of Science has successfully developed "Alternative Absorbent Materials" to eliminate arsenic and lead from water sources. These materials utilise biochar derived from agricultural waste—including corncobs, Kim Sung bamboo, sweet bamboo, coffee husks, and shells—combined with industrial fly ash.
Testing reveals that the newly developed three-layer filtration system can remove up to 96.2% of arsenic from water. Furthermore, integrating this biochar into the soil reduces arsenic accumulation in cultivated vegetables by over 50%. Crucially, all tested biochar variants are non-toxic and do not release secondary pollutants into the soil or water, making them highly safe for agricultural use. Remarkably, just 30 kilograms of this biochar can treat up to 600,000 litres of contaminated water.
To facilitate practical implementation, the project conducted workshops for villagers in Tha Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai, primarily engaging farmers and female labourers. The results showed that 65% of participants expressed confidence in applying this technology at home, with many showing a strong interest in forming community groups to produce their own biochar using modified 200-liter oil drum kilns, which are easily accessible and cost-effective.
In terms of health impact, Asst. Prof. Dr. Katemanee Moonpanane from the School of Nursing measured arsenic levels in the urine of school-age children in the Kok River Basin, finding an average of 40.24 micrograms per litre. The data indicated that children consuming groundwater had higher arsenic levels compared to those drinking filtered water.
In addition, Asst. Prof. Dr. Soontaree Suratana from the School of Health Science conducted a Rapid Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on 451 samples across four areas. Tests for arsenic accumulation in the nails of 90 individuals revealed that 17.8% exceeded the standard surveillance threshold. The study also highlighted significant socio-economic impacts, including heightened anxiety over household income, livelihood insecurity, and a loss of trust in water quality.
These research findings have successfully driven policy advocacy across multiple levels. This includes actions by the provincial water quality monitoring committee, under the Ministry of Public Health, to draft a 5-year surveillance plan, and orders from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for the Pollution Control Department to continuously monitor heavy metal contamination in the Kok River.
Regarding law and human rights, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chukeat Noichim, Dean of the School of Law examined domestic legal mechanisms to demand protection and compensation for citizens affected by transboundary pollution. Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Dr. Yodsapon Nitiruchirot proposed leveraging international human rights mechanisms, pointing out that Thailand’s 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report in November 2026 presents a crucial opportunity to elevate this issue to the global stage.
In terms of social impact, Asst. Prof. Pathompong Manohan from the School of Social Innovation introduced the "Transboundary Citizen Science" model. This initiative enables local communities to monitor water quality independently using digital tools, reducing their sole reliance on government data. He also proposed that local educational institutions act as knowledge hubs to bridge scientific research with local wisdom. Additionally, a study by Ms. Omsin Boonlert on food security in the Huai Luek village community, Wiang Kaen District, revealed that over 148 traditional ethnic dishes are currently at risk of being lost.
Following the presentations, Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima and the executive team provided valuable feedback to the researchers across all projects. They strongly emphasised the need to adapt research outcomes into accessible and practical formats for the public, aiming to generate concrete, maximised benefits for the quality of life of people in the border areas.
