Football fans in Laos now have a new reason to celebrate.
Oil Prices Spike After United States Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites

AFP – Oil prices surged in early trade Monday on concerns of disruption to energy markets after US air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Asian stocks were lower as traders digested the weekend’s events, with Iran threatening US bases in the Middle East as fears grow of an escalating conflict in the volatile region.
Iran is the world’s ninth-biggest oil-producing country, with output of about 3.3 million barrels per day.
It exports just under half of that amount and keeps the rest for domestic consumption.
And if Tehran decides to retaliate, observers say one of its options would be to seek to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which carries one-fifth of global oil output.
As trading opened on Monday, Brent and the main US crude contract West Texas Intermediate (WTI) both jumped more than four percent to hit their highest price since January.
They pared these gains, however and at around 0030 GMT Brent was up 2.2 percent at USD 79.20 per barrel and WTI was 2.1 percent higher at USD 75.98.
Economists at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) warned of “high uncertainty of the outcomes and duration of this war”, giving a “scenario analysis” of an oil price increase of USD 10 per barrel.
“An oil price shock would create a real negative impact on most Asian economies” as many are big net energy importers, they wrote, reflecting the market’s downbeat mood.
Tokyo’s key Nikkei index was down 0.6 percent while Seoul fell 1.4 percent and Sydney was 0.7 percent lower.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that the strikes had “devastated the Iranian nuclear programme”, though some officials cautioned that the extent of the damage was unclear.
It comes after Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran earlier this month.
Chris Weston at Pepperstone said Iran was able to inflict economic damage on the world without taking the “extreme route” of trying to close the Strait of Hormuz.
“By planting enough belief that they could disrupt this key logistical channel, maritime costs could rise to the point that it would have a significant impact on the supply of crude and gas,” he wrote in a note published Monday.
At the same time, “while Trump’s primary focus will be on the Middle East, headlines on trade negotiations could soon start to roll in and market anxieties could feasibly build”, he added.
© Agence France-Presse
Evnia Launches the world’s first 27M2N3500UK Circularly Polarized gaming monitor with Natural-Eye Care technology

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – In response to the growing convergence of gaming and daily digital lifestyles, Evnia today unveiled it’s the world first Circular Polarizing Esports Monitor – 27M2N3500UK. Designed to deliver unparalleled gaming precision while prioritizing long-term visual health for users of all ages, this monitor combines near-natural light technology, hardware low blue light innovations, and a 300Hz refresh rate to provide triple protection for eye care, setting a new benchmark for hybrid performance in gaming, entertainment, and family environments.

Revolutionary Circular Polarizing Technology: Clarity Meets Comfort
At the core of the 27M2N3500UK lies Evnia’s proprietary Circular Polarizing Light Panel, a groundbreaking innovation in display engineering. This technology significantly reduces glare and ambient light interference while enhancing color accuracy and contrast ratios, rendering vivid, lifelike visuals. Unlike conventional panels, the circular polarizing layer minimizes eye strain by diffusing harmful light spectra, allowing extended gaming or productivity sessions without compromising visual comfort.
Unmatched Esports Agility: 300Hz Refresh Rate
Tailored for competitive gamers, the 27M2N3500UK features an ultra-high 300Hz refresh rate, ensuring flawlessly fluid gameplay even in the most dynamic scenarios. By refreshing frames 300 times per second, the monitor eliminates motion blur and input lag, enabling players to react instantaneously to in-game actions. Whether engaging in precision targeting in first-person shooters or executing split-second maneuvers in racing simulations, users gain a tactical advantage, transforming every frame into a decisive opportunity for victory.
Comprehensive Eye Protection: Safeguarding Family Wellness
Recognizing the critical need for eye health in today’s screen-dependent world, Evnia integrates a suite of certified eye-care solutions:
- TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification: Filters high-energy blue light emissions to mitigate digital eye fatigue and support circadian rhythm regulation.
- Flicker-Free Backlighting: Eliminates screen flicker across all brightness levels, reducing the risk of headaches and prolonged visual discomfort.
- Adaptive Brightness Control: Automatically adjusts screen illumination to ambient lighting conditions, ensuring optimal viewing comfort.
These features make the monitor ideal for households, enabling children to engage in online learning, entertainment, or casual gaming with reduced risk of eye strain and myopia progression.
A New Standard for Hybrid Excellence
The Evnia 27M2N3500UK transcends traditional gaming monitors by harmonizing esports-grade performance with family-oriented wellness. Its 27-inch display, ergonomic design, and versatile connectivity options cater to diverse needs—from high-stakes tournaments to remote work and educational applications.
Executive Commentary
“The 27M2N3500UK embodies Philips Evnia’s commitment to innovation that serves both passion and responsibility,” said Lidong Yan, the APAC General Manager. “We’re redefining what a monitor can achieve by merging competitive edge with technologies that protect users’ most valuable asset: their vision.”
Availability and Pricing
The Evnia 27M2N3500UK Circular Polarizing Esports Monitor will be available in APAC in June 2025. For product specifications and retail details, visit [Philips monitor website].
Hashtag: #PhilipsMonitors #EVNIA #gamingmonitor #Eports #27M2N3500UK
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Philips Evnia
Philips Evnia is revolutionizing the gaming and entertainment experience with its cutting-edge monitor series. Combining sleek aesthetics with innovative technology such as QD OLED and Dynamic Lighting, Evnia delivers unmatched performance with ultra-fast refresh rates, exceptional color accuracy, and breathtaking visuals. Engineered for both professional gamers and creative professionals, Philips Evnia offers a visual experience like no other. Whether you’re seeking precision for competitive play or vivid clarity for content creation, the Evnia monitor series elevates your gaming journey to new heights.
Cambodia Orders Halt to Fuel Imports From Thailand

AFP – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on 22 June that the country would halt all fuel imports from its neighbor, Thailand, as tensions escalate over an ongoing border dispute.
Key Findings from the “Hong Kong Vitiligo Patients and Caregivers Survey” Released for “World Vitiligo Day”

Patients Demonstrate Significant Knowledge Gaps in Treatment Options, Leading to Lost Hope and Treatment Discontinuation
Over 70% of Vitiligo Patients Desire Skin Repigmentation; New Topical Therapy Introduced in Hong Kong Shows Encouraging Results
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2025 – In observance of World Vitiligo Day (June 25), Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group has released findings from its latest “Hong Kong Vitiligo Patients and Caregivers Survey.” The study reveals critical gaps in treatment knowledge, with over 80% of respondents demonstrating limited understanding of available therapies and their efficacy. More than 70% of patients hoped therapy could partially or fully restore their original skin pigmentation, yet many reported disappointing outcomes with existing treatments, leading to loss of confidence and treatment discontinuation.
Dr. Chan Yung, a specialist in dermatology, noted that with advancing insights into vitiligo pathogenesis, novel therapy has recently been introduced in Hong Kong. Clinical studies confirm its repigmentation potential, encouraging patients to consult specialists for personalized treatment plans.
In Hong Kong, vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the population, with an estimated 70,000 individuals living with the condition. In May 2025, Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group successfully surveyed 61 patients or their primary caregivers to identify key challenges in disease management. Key findings as follows:
1. Critical Knowledge Deficits in Treatment Understanding
- 80% lack understanding of treatment options
- 78% unfamiliar with medication efficacy
- 84% uncertain about which specialist to consult
2. Disparity Between Treatment Expectations and Outcomes
- 74% of respondents expressed a desire for full or partial skin repigmentation, yet among the 48 treated patients, none achieved complete repigmentation, and only 8% reported partial improvement
- 67% perceived treatments as completely ineffective
3. Treatment Discontinuation Due to Lost Confidence
- 43% are not receiving any active treatment at present
- Barriers included: high private healthcare costs and long public-sector wait times (95%), and perceived futility of therapy (75%)
Vitiligo is classified as segmental (SV) or non-segmental (NSV), with 90% of cases being NSV—a subtype with higher progression risk and greater therapeutic difficulty. Traditional options (e.g., topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy) often yield variable results, with limitations such as:
- Corticosteroids: Risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasia; unsuitable for long-term use
- Phototherapy: Requires 3–6 months (or longer) of 2–3 weekly sessions, with potential sunburn and skin cancer risks
- Non-steroidal topicals: Often only slow progression rather than induce repigmentation
Over 70% of Vitiligo Patients Seek Skin Repigmentation – New Topical Treatment Introduced in Hong Kong Offers Hope
Dr. Chan Yung stated that targeted therapies like topical JAK inhibitors represent a breakthrough in vitiligo treatment. “Topical JAK inhibitors are non-steroidal medications with demonstrated efficacy and safety profiles, making them a viable long-term treatment option for patients,” he explained.
While the exact etiology of vitiligo remains unclear, current evidence suggests autoimmune-mediated attack on melanocytes plays a key pathogenic role, resulting in depigmented lesions. Non-steroidal Topical JAK inhibitors work by modulating the aberrant immune signaling responsible for melanocyte attack, enabling gradual repigmentation of affected areas.
Ruxolitinib cream, the first FDA-approved non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitor for localized treatment of non-segmental vitiligo in patients aged 12 years and above, has recently become available in Hong Kong. Clinical trials show:
- Approximately 30% of patients achieved ≥75% improvement in Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI) after 24 weeks of treatment;
- 50% of patients showed ≥50% improvement;
- Extension to 52 weeks of treatment resulted in >50% of patients attaining ≥75% improvement7
Ms. Amy Wong, a Registered Social Worker at Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group noted that many vitiligo patients and caregivers seeking assistance express confusion about treatment options and medication efficacy. “Many patients spend over a year just obtaining a definitive diagnosis,” she explained. “In their search for solutions, patients often invest substantial resources in various cosmetic packages and alternative therapies, only to experience significant discrepancies between desired and actual outcomes. This frequently leads to disillusionment, loss of hope for effective treatment, and even emotional distress.”
“However,” Ms. Wong emphasized, “with medical advancements, vitiligo is no longer considered untreatable. Repigmentation is now achievable, and we strongly encourage patients to seek professional medical consultation at the earliest opportunity.”
Conclusion and Recommendations
The survey reveals significant gaps in patients’ understanding of vitiligo treatments and their mechanisms, leaving many uncertain about where to begin treatment. Over 80% of respondents expressed desire for patient support in medication access and resource referrals. Accordingly, Dr. Chan Yung and Ms. Amy Wong, propose the following recommendations:
1. Public Education Seminars
Conduct lectures and workshops to help patients and caregivers understand that vitiligo requires long-term management, with visible results often taking extended periods to manifest. These initiatives should also educate participants about various treatment modalities, particularly newly available options like non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitors, enabling informed discussions with healthcare providers about appropriate treatment plans.
2. Medication Support and Resource Referral Services
Given that vitiligo necessitates prolonged treatment, and considering that many patients find private care cost-prohibitive while public service wait times are excessively long, we recommend establishing medication support and resource referral services to facilitate timely access to proper treatment. Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group is currently implementing a “Vitiligo Patient Support Program,” offering free psychological counseling, medication assistance, and resource referral services. Interested individuals may contact Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group for details.
Case Study
Mr. Chan (pseudonym), 58, first developed symptoms thirty years ago with a small depigmented spot on his neck that subsequently spread to his neck, waist, wrists, and thighs. At diagnosis, his physician prescribed topical corticosteroids but stated vitiligo was essentially “incurable.” Mr. Chan subsequently pursued numerous alternative treatments including UV light therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, topical shampoo applications, and cosmetic packages – exhausting savings and liquidating his stocks – all without achieving satisfactory repigmentation.
After years of unsuccessful treatment attempts, he discontinued treatment until being referred to the Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group. Through their seminars and “Vitiligo Patient Support Program”, he learned about modern treatment advances and, with medication assistance, has begun new therapy with renewed hope for repigmentation.
“My greatest wish is to wear crew-neck shirts again,” Mr. Chan shared. “Since developing vitiligo, I’ve only worn high-collared shirts to conceal neck patches and haven’t gone swimming in thirty years.” He looks forward to regaining sartorial freedom following successful repigmentation.
Hashtag: #Vitiligo #WorldVitiligoDay #TopicalJAKinhibitors #Non-steroidalTopicalJAKinhibitors #Ruxolitinibcream #SkinRepigmentation #Dr.ChanYung #Dermatology #Skincare#HongKongVitiligoSupportGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group
Initiated by social enterprise Hong Kong Health Care Alliance, Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group is a non-profit patient organization dedicated to individuals affected by vitiligo and their caregivers. Our mission is to enhance societal understanding of vitiligo through comprehensive disease education and support services, empowering patients to better understand and confront their condition while fostering public awareness. We strive to ensure no patient faces this journey alone.
Kinky Lizard Cafe Celebrates Major Milestone with the Opening of Its 10th Venue in Perth City

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2025 – Kinky Lizard Cafe, one of Perth’s leading independent café groups, is proud to announce the opening of its 10th location at 94 Barrack Street, Perth WA 6000. This significant milestone marks a new chapter for the family-run brand, which has grown steadily since its inception in 2019.
Established in East Perth with a vision to make mornings better through quality coffee, nourishing food, and welcoming spaces, Kinky Lizard has expanded across Perth’s metropolitan area, with venues in suburbs including Applecross, Mosman Park, Karrinyup, and more.
“Our growth has been organic and community-driven,” said Emilie Kaasik of Kinky Lizard Cafe. “Each new store is a reflection of our values—fresh, made-to-order food, locally roasted coffee, and a warm environment where customers feel at home. Reaching 10 stores is a proud moment for our entire team.”
New Location in the Heart of the City
Situated in a high-foot-traffic area between Hay Street and Murray Street malls, the new Barrack Street outlet brings Kinky Lizard’s signature experience to Perth’s CBD. Surrounded by heritage buildings, laneways, office blocks, and retail precincts, the store is ideally positioned to cater to professionals, tourists, students, and local residents.
The café features a modern fit-out that complements its historic surroundings, with indoor and outdoor seating, plug-in-friendly workstations, and a menu that includes both dine-in and quick takeaway options.
Commitment to Local Values and Quality
Kinky Lizard Cafe is renowned for its commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients, crafting house-made recipes, and serving premium, locally roasted coffee.
Each venue offers a consistent yet locally attuned experience, with brunch classics like popcorn chicken eggs benedict, brekkie bruschetta, and fresh cold-pressed juices prepared daily. From breakfast in East Perth to weekend brunch in Applecross, the Kinky Lizard offering is carefully curated to meet the needs of its diverse customer base.
Looking Ahead
As interest in local, authentic hospitality experiences continues to grow in Western Australia, Kinky Lizard Cafe is poised for further expansion while remaining true to its community roots. The group is focused on delivering memorable customer experiences, investing in staff training, and building deeper connections within each neighborhood it serves.
“With the opening of our Barrack Street café, we reaffirm our commitment to being more than just a place to grab coffee,” the spokesperson added. “We’re a part of the local fabric, and we look forward to serving Perth for many more years to come.”
Visit Kinky Lizard Barrack Street
Address: 94 Barrack Street, Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Website: https://kinkylizard.com.au
Hashtag: #KinkyLizardCafe
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About Kinky Lizard Cafe
Kinky Lizard Cafe is a proudly Perth-born, family-run cafe group with 10 locations across the city and surrounding suburbs. Known for its signature coffee blend, fresh made-to-order food, and house-made pastries, Kinky Lizard offers a warm, community-focused experience at every venue. With a commitment to quality, local suppliers, and genuine hospitality, the Kinky Lizard team continues to grow while staying true to its roots, welcoming every guest like family.
Learn more: https://kinkylizard.com.au
Bank of China (Hong Kong) x Television Broadcasts Limited (“TVB”) “Wealth Management Expo 2025” was successfully held
Driving Economic Momentum, Leading Trends with Mega Events
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 June 2025 – The “Wealth Management Expo 2025”, powered by Bank of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”) and organised by TVB under the theme of “Driving Economic Momentum, Leading Trends with Mega Events” has been successfully held today. The Expo has brought together leading figures from the government, business and financial sectors to provide in-depth analysis and share valuable insights into market trends through examining the international landscape, RMB internationalisation, the mega-event economy, as well as personal and business financial management.

The Expo was officiated by Mr. Paul Chan, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, the Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Miss Rosanna Law, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Mr. Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK. Miss Rosanna Law also shared at the summit forum on how mega events catalyse Hong Kong’s economy. Other attending guests included Mr. Thomas Hui, JP, Executive Chairman of TVB and representatives from BOCHK.
Mr. Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, said in his opening speech, “As a leading commercial bank rooted in Hong Kong for over a century, BOCHK fully leverages its regional advantages and integrated offerings to continuously enhance operational capabilities while delivering high-quality services. Apart from actively promoting green finance and inclusive financial development, BOCHK drives continuous innovation in fintech, accelerating its digital transformation. The Bank is committed to supporting Hong Kong in reinforcing its position as a global offshore RMB business hub, while deepening cross-boundary financial business within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”
Opening Forum: Experts Shared Insights on Outlook for RMB Internationalisation
The opening forum of the Expo, “Dissecting Economic Pulse and Exploring Opportunities in RMB Internationalisation,” featured Dr. Jianguang Shen, Vice President of JD.com; Dr. Rocky Tung, Director and Head of Policy Research for the Financial Services Development Council; Mr. Dong Tao, President of Spring Capital (Hong Kong) Limited and a renowned economist; and Mr. Jack Yang, RMB Business Executive Director of BOCHK, who engaged in an in-depth discussion on the various opportunities in the internationalisation of the RMB, including how enterprises can leverage the advantages of RMB settlement to reduce cross-border transaction costs, as well as the attractiveness of RMB-denominated assets and emerging investment opportunities in the international capital markets.
Summit Forum: Unleashed the Powerful Driving Force of the Mega–Event Economy
The Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively promoting the “Mega-event economy” in recent years, aiming to generate more business opportunities and attract more tourists through sports competitions, art exhibitions, large-scale international events and conferences. The speakers of the summit forum themed “Mega Events as Economic Catalysts: Synergy of Sports, Arts, Culture and Tourism” are Miss Rosanna Law, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Wilfred Ng, GBS, MH, JP, Chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee; and Prof. Douglas So, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Board of M Plus Collections Limited, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation. They conducted an in-depth analysis of the diverse opportunities created by mega events. The three speakers explored how mega events drive economic growth from multiple perspectives, and shared insights on recent preparations for organising sports mega events and their economic contributions, while emphasising the importance of participation and support from all sectors.
Five Thematic Workshops and Immersive Digital Experience Zone: Enriching Information and Experience
The Expo also held five thematic workshops, where several experts dissected the latest trends in the global economy and markets. Regarding global economic development, two fund workshops “Global Outlook of Asset Appreciation Potential in International Markets” and “From Asia to the World: Multi-Asset Allocation Strategies for Enhanced Returns” along with the cross-border workshop “Strategic Overview on Equity Markets and Economic Insights” emphasised the importance of focusing on Asia and global markets, empowering investors to grasp opportunities across different regions and industries to formulate prudent wealth growth strategies. The legacy planning workshop “Securing Wealth Legacy, Prosperity Across Three Generations” concentrated on planning wealth for the next generation, grounded in love and sheltered by insurance. In addition, the stock market workshop “Decoding the Stock Market: Sector Analysis and Trading Tactics” explored market trends, the AI boom and analysed the prospects of technology stocks.
To enrich participants’ experience, the venue also featured an immersive digital experience zone. Utilising an LED spherical display and a surrounded screen, the zone showcased three main themes in a one-stop format: anti-fraud, AI data applications and ESG. Participants can learn about BOCHK’s digital empowerment.
The “Wealth Management Expo 2025” concluded successfully with fruitful outcomes. Through a full day of engaging forums, workshops, digital experience zone and sponsored booths, BOCHK hopes that industry professionals, investors and the public gained insights into changes in the international environment and market opportunities, with a focus on the RMB internationalisation and the diverse opportunities brought by the Mega-event economy, while mastering the path to wealth growth and legacy.
Moses Chan Attended the Brand Launch Event and Shared Business Insights with Natalie Tong
BOCHK announced the extended collaboration with Private Wealth brand ambassador Moses Chan, appointing him as the premium family wealth management brand FamilyMAX & BOCHK Cross-Border GO star brand ambassador and BOC Life’s Star Product & Services Ambassador. Having founded a coffee brand years ago, Moses Chan’s “entrepreneur” identity has become as well-known as his acting career. Today, Moses Chan and Natalie Tong, popular Japanese bakery brand co-founder, Best Actress and Business Banking brand ambassador, appeared at the “Dialogue with the Best Actor and Actress” to share how to balance multiple roles as actors and owners of catering business. They also discussed how to utilise financial knowledge and leverage professional teams and fintech services to enhance personal and business wealth management efficiency.
Hashtag: #WealthManagementExpo2025
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Toxic Thailand Rivers Pinned on Myanmar Mines

By Chayanit Itthipongmaetee and Sally Jensen/AFP – A sprawling new mine is gouged into the lush rolling hills of northeast Myanmar, where civil war has weakened the government’s already feeble writ, and pollution levels are rising downstream in Thailand.
The complex is one of around a dozen extraction operations that have sprung up in Shan state since around 2022, in territory controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), one of conflict-wracked Myanmar’s largest and best-equipped ethnic armed groups.
A few kilometres away across the border, locals and officials in Thailand believe toxic waste is washing downstream from the mines into the Kok River, which flows through the kingdom’s far north on its way to join the mighty Mekong.
Thai authorities say they have detected abnormally high arsenic levels in their waterways, which could pose a risk to aquatic life and people further up the food chain.
The price fisherman Sawat Kaewdam gets for his catch has fallen by almost half, he said, because locals fear contamination.
“They say, ‘There’s arsenic. I don’t want to eat that fish,’” he told AFP.
Tests in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai by a government pollution agency found levels of the toxic element as high as 49 micrograms per litre (mcg/l) of river water, nearly five times international drinking water standards.
Experts say that while the effects on human health would not be visible immediately, the fish-heavy local diet risks a cumulative impact over several years.
“We already know where the contamination is coming from,” said fisherman Sawat.
“They should go fix it at the source.”
Five-fold rise
Pianporn Deetes, campaign director of the International Rivers NGO, blames the arsenic levels on Shan state’s unlicensed mines, which operate outside any regulation or control by the central government.
It is Thailand’s “largest-ever case of transboundary pollution”, she added.
The mines are believed to be run by Chinese companies with close links to the UWSA, whose members themselves have longstanding ties to China, speak Mandarin and use China’s yuan currency.
It is unclear whether the mines are digging for gold, rare earths or a variety of minerals, and it is also difficult to gauge the size of an industry operating in a secretive grey zone.
But videos on Chinese social media suggest much of what is produced in Myanmar ends up being sold to Chinese buyers.
In a report last week citing Chinese customs data, think tank ISP-Myanmar said the country was the source of around two-thirds of China’s rare earth imports by value.
The Asian giant had imported five times as much rare earths from Myanmar in the four years since the 2021 military coup than in the equivalent preceding period, it added.
Many modern mines use a system of tailing ponds to reuse leftover waste and water and stop it being released into rivers, said Tanapon Phenrat of Naresuan University’s civil engineering department.
But “in Myanmar, they reportedly discharge it directly into natural waterways”, he added, increasing the risk of contamination spreading into the food chain.
“What we need is for mines to treat their waste properly and stop discharging toxic substances into shared waterways.”
AFP was unable to reach UWSA officials for comment.
Chinese companies
From its Myanmar headwaters, the 285-kilometre Kok River is a vital resource for thousands of people as it wends through Chiang Rai province on its way to feed the Mekong.
In Chiang Rai City, a tranquil place popular with tourists, environmentalists dressed as wart-afflicted fish dance in protest.
The Thai government has proposed building a dam to prevent contaminated water from entering the country, but campaigners say physical barriers alone cannot stop pollution
Bangkok acknowledges that Myanmar’s junta may be unable to stop Chinese companies operating mines in militia-controlled areas.
And Chonthicha Jangrew of Thailand’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee met senior Beijing officials last month, urging them to supervise Chinese mining firms “in order to stop the impact on people downstream”, she said.
The Chinese embassy in Bangkok posted on Facebook last week that it had instructed Chinese companies “to comply with the laws of the host country and to conduct their business in a legal and orderly fashion at all times.”
The Myanmar junta did not respond to questions from AFP.
“The water isn’t beyond saving yet,” said Tanapon of Naresuan University.
“But this is a clear signal,” he added. “We need to act now.”
© Agence France-Presse