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Heavy metals found in Kok and Mekong River aquatic samples

Heavy metals found in Kok and Mekong River aquatic samples

Prachachat•Economy•25m ago

Reader Briefing

The Department of Fisheries is coordinating with pollution and marine agencies following the discovery of heavy metals exceeding standards in some aquatic animal samples from the Kok and Mekong Rivers.

  • •Heavy metals exceeding standard limits were found in some aquatic animal samples from the Kok and Mekong Rivers.
  • •The Department of Fisheries will meet with the Pollution Control Department and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources on November 23, 2026.
  • •Samples from the Prachin Buri and Bang Pakong Rivers remained within standard limits, though low dissolved oxygen was found in some areas.
  • •Abnormal aquatic animal deaths were reported in some areas of the Inner Gulf of Thailand, linked to low dissolved oxygen.

Overview

  • •The Department of Fisheries found heavy metals exceeding standard limits in some aquatic animal samples from the Kok River and Mekong River.
  • •19 aquatic animal samples from the Prachin Buri and Bang Pakong Rivers were found to be within standard limits.
  • •Abnormal aquatic animal deaths occurred in some areas of the Inner Gulf of Thailand, with preliminary tests showing low dissolved oxygen.
  • •Pinsak Suraswadi stated that the test results are specific to certain samples, areas, and times, and cannot be used to conclude the safety of all aquatic animals.
  • •The Department of Fisheries is scheduled to discuss water quality and environmental data with the Pollution Control Department and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources on November 23, 2026.
  • •The Department of Fisheries will have Provincial Fisheries Offices survey impacts and damages to aquaculture farmers and fishers to consider aid based on relevant criteria.
  • •The Department of Fisheries is considering promoting aquaculture models that allow water quality management, such as land-based ponds, to reduce reliance on natural water sources.

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Source: Prachachat (Original)

Key Quotes

Pinsak Suraswadi
"The Department of Fisheries prioritizes both consumer safety and the occupational security of farmers and fishers, and will monitor the situation closely, coordinate with relevant agencies, and communicate facts accurately."
กรมประมงให้ความสำคัญทั้งความปลอดภัยของผู้บริโภค และความมั่นคงในการประกอบอาชีพของเกษตรกรและชาวประมง โดยจะติดตามสถานการณ์อย่างใกล้ชิด ประสานความร่วมมือกับหน่วยงานที่เกี่ยวข้อง และสื่อสารข้อเท็จจริงอย่างถูกต้อง

Key Entities

Organization

Department of Fisheries(กรมประมง)
The agency monitoring water quality and aquatic animal contamination and planning aid for affected farmers and fishers.
Pollution Control Department(กรมควบคุมมลพิษ)ℹ️
An agency that will discuss water quality and environmental data with the Department of Fisheries on November 23, 2026.
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources(กรมทรัพยากรทางทะเลและชายฝั่ง)
An agency that will discuss water quality and environmental data with the Department of Fisheries on November 23, 2026.
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives(กระทรวงเกษตรและสหกรณ์)
The ministry overseeing the Department of Fisheries.

Place

Kok River(แม่น้ำกก)ℹ️
A water source where some aquatic animal samples were found to have heavy metals exceeding standard limits.
Mekong River(แม่น้ำโขง)ℹ️
A water source where some aquatic animal samples were found to have heavy metals exceeding standard limits.
Prachin Buri River(แม่น้ำปราจีนบุรี)ℹ️
A water source where aquatic animal samples were found to be within standard limits.
Bang Pakong River(แม่น้ำบางปะกง)ℹ️
A water source where aquatic animal samples were found to be within standard limits.
Inner Gulf of Thailand(อ่าวไทยตอนใน)
An area where abnormal aquatic animal deaths were found, linked to low dissolved oxygen.

Person

Pinsak Suraswadi(ปิ่นสักก์ สุรัสวดี)
Director General of the Department of Fisheries.
Watcharapol Khaokham(วัชระพล ขาวขำ)
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives who oversees the Department of Fisheries.