High concentrations of mercury have been found in residents of eight provinces with gold mines, coal-fired power stations and heavy industry. This is evident from hair samples from 68 people from Rayong and Prachin Buri, among others, which were collected last year by the environmental group Earth.

The hair has been studied in laboratories in the US and Czechoslovakia. The concentrations have been found in women of childbearing age and the environment.

In an international survey of 25 countries, Thailand ranks ninth among countries experiencing severe mercury contamination. Indonesia leads the ranking.

Earth director Penchom says: “The biggest sources of mercury pollution are coal-fired power plants and the petrochemical industry, but the government is not doing anything to address this problem. On the contrary, the junta promotes the construction of polluting coal-fired power stations and waste-processing plants.

Penchom points out that Thailand signed the Minamata Convention on Mercury in June, but does not appear to be adhering to it.

Source: Bangkok Post

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