Check dams proposal for North triggers backlash

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s proposal to construct check dams in northern Thailand to cleanse rivers contaminated with heavy metals has sparked fierce opposition from civil society groups.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

They argue that the plan is based on inaccurate assumptions and fails to address the root cause of the problem.

Mr Phumtham, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, on Wednesday issued a directive during a meeting of the Flood, Storm, and Landslide Disaster Relief Operations Center to urgently address the issue of heavy metal contamination in the Kok, Sai, and Mekong rivers.

He described the proposed dam as a self-protection measure against hazardous pollutants originating from upstream mining activities in Myanmar.

He claimed that diplomatic negotiations on the issue have proven difficult, making physical infrastructure a necessary step. However, his comments have drawn significant scrutiny among environmental activists, highlighting the government's lack of progress in tackling the source of the pollution.

Chiang Mai MP Phattharaphong Leelaphat of the People's Party told the Bangkok Post that the proposed dam is unlikely to be effective in filtering out heavy metals.

"A dam doesn't filter contaminants from water," he said.