MRC Supports Constructive Cooperation Between Myanmar and Thailand Over Kok River Water Quality Through Joint Monitoring Effort

Vientiane, Lao PDR, 23 May 2025 - The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is supporting constructive cooperation between Myanmar and Thailand to address growing concerns over water quality in the Kok River, a transboundary tributary of the Mekong River that flows from Myanmar into northern Thailand.

In April 2025, the Thai National Mekong Committee (TNMC) formally requested the MRC's assistance in engaging Myanmar, a Dialogue Partner under the MRC framework, to jointly assess the issue. In response, the MRC Secretariat's Environmental Management Division promptly initiated coordination efforts to facilitate a collaborative approach.

Recognising the importance of this issue, the MRC Secretariat has proposed the establishment of a Joint Water Quality Monitoring initiative between Myanmar and Thailand. This initiative aims to enable a scientifically grounded assessment of the water quality and promote coordinated action. The initiative is anchored in the Procedures for Water Quality (PWQ), one of the MRC's five core procedures agreed upon by its four Member Countries, which includes regionally agreed Water Quality Guidelines for the protection of human health and aquatic ecosystems. The PWQ also provides a mechanism for assessing and communicating incidents that may have potential transboundary impacts.

This week, Myanmar officially responded to the proposal, expressing its willingness to participate in the joint monitoring initiative. The program will cover the exchange of data, technical expertise, and resources between environmental agencies of both countries. Key components will include regular water sampling and analysis at critical locations along the Kok River, joint capacity-building activities, the development of early warning systems for pollution events, and transparent public reporting to engage local stakeholders and communities.

The MRC Secretariat is working closely with both sides and is preparing to convene the first coordination meeting to agree on the scope and work plan for the Joint Water Quality Monitoring initiative as soon as possible.

Through this effort, the MRC aims to address immediate concerns and strengthen long-term technical cooperation and trust between countries in managing sensitive transboundary water resources, underscoring our continued commitment to conflict resolution, environmental diplomacy, and sustainable water governance in the Mekong Basin.

About the Mekong River Commission

The MRC is an intergovernmental organization established in 1995 to boost regional dialogue and cooperation in the Lower Mekong River Basin. Based on the Mekong Agreement among Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam, the MRC serves as both a regional platform for water diplomacy and a knowledge hub - to manage water resources and support sustainable development of the region.

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For more information, please contact:

Ms. MAO Chandaly Communications Officer for Press Mekong River Commission Secretariat Email: [email protected]