MCOT_Protest Over Water Pollution Sparks Scuffle Outside Chinese Consulate in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, July 7 (TNA) - A protest over cross-border toxic water pollution linked to illegal mining operations in a neighboring country turned chaotic on Monday, leaving two demonstrators injured outside the Chinese Consulate-General in Chiang Mai.

The scuffle broke out on Chang Lor Road in Mueang district when members of a local river protection network attempted to push through a police barricade to reclaim a banner from officers. During the confrontation, one protester suffered a broken left arm, prompting police to call an emergency vehicle to rush the injured individuals to a nearby hospital.

Approximately 70 police officers had earlier secured the area with iron barriers. The Chinese consulate’s document service room displayed a notice in Chinese stating it was temporarily closed on July 6 due to technical reasons.

Around noon, about 30 members of the People's Network for the Protection of the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong Rivers arrived to submit a petition addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The group intended to symbolically present a statement, water samples, and a local fish dish from the Kok River. They are demanding that Chinese authorities regulate Chinese mining investors in the neighboring country whose operations damage Thai ecosystems and food security.  

Following the confrontation, the demonstrators proceeded with their symbolic activity by preparing the fish dish on-site before reading their four main demands. The group called on the Chinese government to monitor and penalize Chinese investors causing environmental harm, establish a mineral traceability system, arrange for officials to visit affected local communities, and form a joint multilateral inspection committee.  

The protest concluded after group leaders handed over the petition, water samples, and food to the Chiang Mai provincial defense officer in front of the consulate. -819 (TNA)