# Toxic Sai River Contamination Threatens Mae Sai’s Livelihoods

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/myanmar/340203-toxic-sai-river-contamination-threatens-mae-sais-livelihoods
- Published: 2026-11-14T09:16:40+07:00
- Author: Chloe Zhou

**Contamination of the Sai River from unregulated mining in Myanmar has devastated
Mae Sai district’s economy and environment. Resident Kanya Kanwana lamented the 
river’s decline, affecting local livelihoods and tourism, prompting her to seek 
new business opportunities amid health concerns.**

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## Key Points

 * The Sai River in Mae Sai district, Thailand, has been contaminated by toxic substances
   from unregulated mining in Myanmar, negatively impacting the local economy and
   residents’ livelihoods. Kanya Kanwana, a resident, shares her experiences of 
   hardship since major flooding two years ago.
 * Kanya recalls that the river served as a vital resource for transportation and
   daily activities, with clear water historically seen during the cold season. 
   However, recent changes have rendered the river brown and murky, lacking the 
   fish and clarity of the past.
 * The contamination, revealed by testing, shocked Kanya, causing safety concerns
   and a decline in tourism. With her business affected, she explores new opportunities
   despite difficulties due to customers’ health worries over the polluted river.

### **Impact of Contamination on the Sai River**

The **contamination of the Sai River** in Myanmar, attributed to unregulated mining
activities, has significantly deteriorated the economic and environmental conditions
in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Local resident Kanya Kanwana
from the Tham Pha Chom community shared her memories of the river, which used to
facilitate transportation and provide water for daily activities.

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However, the aftermath of major flooding two years ago—and the subsequent contamination—
has altered the river’s ecosystem drastically. Kanya noted that the previously clear
water has turned consistently brown, raising concerns among residents who relied
on the river for their livelihoods.

### **Community Concerns and Health Risks**

The **effects of the contamination** have been alarming for the local populace. 
Kanya expressed her shock upon discovering that the changing color of the river 
was linked to the presence of toxic substances, confirmed by various testing agencies,
rather than natural occurrences such as logging or construction. The implications
extend beyond environmental degradation; the **safety and health of the community**
have come into question. As the river’s ecosystem deteriorates, local wildlife has
vanished, and tourism, which once thrived along the riverside, has drastically declined,
affecting restaurants and businesses reliant on visitors. This shift has prompted
a sense of despair among residents, particularly concerning their health and the
viability of local enterprises.

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### **Adaptation and Future Endeavors**

Faced with these challenges, Kanya is compelled to **seek alternative means of livelihood**.
The contamination’s impact on her previous business and the fear surrounding health
risks have forced her to reconsider her options. She reflects on the difficulty 
of starting anew, emphasizing the challenges of attracting customers for even a 
small food shop due to concerns over the river’s pollution. As residents like Kanya
navigate these challenges, they also exhibit resilience, seeking to adapt to their
changing environment in the face of ongoing economic turmoil. The situation underscores
the urgent need for effective environmental regulation in the region to restore 
safety and restore the livelihoods of those affected.

**Source** : [Toxic Sai River upends lives in Mae Sai](https://www.thaipbsworld.com/around-thailand/572661)