The Pollution Control Department in Thailand, from January to March, tested water quality in 70 rivers and 77 beaches across the country. The results showed that at least half of the rivers have good water quality, and three of them have excellent water quality. In addition, nine rivers have unsatisfactory water quality, mostly located near urban and industrial areas.
The deputy director general of the department, Pornsack Fuimm, urged people to check the quality of water in rivers and lakes before swimming. He advised not to swim in places that have an unpleasant smell or an unusual color. Pornsack also warned tourists to be careful of venomous creatures such as jellyfish and blue-ringed octopuses when visiting beaches.
It also revealed the presence of 16 rivers with a high content of coliform bacteria, which can be very dangerous for humans.
