An academic is urging the government to find ways to improve the management of environmental risks from the mining sector, saying clear safeguards are needed to prevent heavy metal pollution.
The call comes in the wake of the recent signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on rare earths with the United States.
Sonthi Kotchawat, an environmental expert with the Thai Environmental Scholars Club, said he was concerned about the lack of transparency and the absence of public consultation prior to its signing.
“I am not against [the MoU], but I am disappointed that the government failed to inform the public or hold any hearings about it,” Mr Sonthi said.
He urged the government to establish a national committee to oversee the MoU’s implementation and to introduce measures to protect the environment.
These measures, he said, should include a ban on mineral extraction near Class 1A river basins, areas recognised as vital upstream forest zones and key ecological and tourism sites, as well as mandatory inspections of all potential mining sites.
Mr Sonthi also reiterated his opposition to expanding critical mineral mining in Thailand, saying the government should instead limit any extraction facilities to designated industrial zones, where the environmental impacts could be more easily monitored and controlled.
He questioned whether the US would ultimately invest in Thailand’s rare earth supply chain, noting that the country ranks only 12th globally in terms of rare earth reserves, with an estimated 4,500 tonnes.
“Every tonne of rare earth extracted generates roughly 2,000 tonnes of waste and pollution,” he said.
“I understand that the MoU was signed under political pressure and cannot easily be withdrawn,” he said.
“However, the government must ensure that legal mechanisms are in place to protect the country and the environment.”