Experts call for action to protect locals near Phichit gold mine
Health experts called on the authorities to initiate a plan to help people living near a gold mine in Phichit province, after it was discovered that more than half the residents had high levels of toxins in their blood.
Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand, director-general of the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS), said on Thursday that the latest check-ups showed villagers from Phichit’s Thab Khlo district were at risk.
“It’s important for health authorities to come up with a proper plan to ensure that these villagers get immediate treatment,” she said.
The team also conducted random tests to check for toxicity levels among locals living within 3 to 5 kilometres of the gold mine. Of the 600 villagers tested, 329 or 70 per cent were found to have manganese and arsenic in their blood.
The health examinations came after locals lodged complaints with the CIFS against the mining firm.
Pornthip said the results would be forwarded to the ministries of Justice and Health, as well as to Phichit’s governor and state hospitals in the province so they can consider what legal action can be taken.
Smith Tungkasmit, an environmentalist from Rangsit University who was also part of the team that went to Phichit, said he found high levels of metals, especially manganese, as well as arsenic in the water and soil around the mining site. He said the test results would be sent to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and the mining company.
The team, made up of academics, villagers, health experts, and doctors as well as representatives from the mining firm, the NCPO and state agencies, has been tasked with conducting tests to see if the gold-mining operation has had a negative impact on villagers’ health.
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