China dominates the global rare earth market, controlling over 90% of processing. Myanmar "produces" rare earths but isn't listed among top reserve countries. Shan and Kachin states have become key centers for Myanmar's border rare earth mining, backed by Chinese investment that shifts pollution abroad to cut costs and bypass domestic regulations. Heavy metals, such as arsenic, contaminate the Kok and Mekong rivers, posing serious health risks to local communities.

Samut Sakhon’s Mueang district topped the most polluted cities in Thailand on Tuesday, according to the IQAir website.