At least 13 double-trailer trucks lined up at the Pheung Khleung border crossing, transporting minerals from Myanmar into Thailand.

The mineral trade through this Thai border crossing highlights the environmental and economic ties between Myanmar, Thailand, and China. The export of these raw materials often comes with significant pollution and ecological damage in Myanmar, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and health impacts on local communities.

The trucks carry minerals from Myanmar to be processed or sold further into China, a lucrative but controversial trade route that bypasses many environmental regulations.

This ongoing trade exacerbates the environmental degradation in Myanmar's mining regions while also posing risks of pollution crossing borders into Thailand.

What is the long-term climate outlook for this region?

The continuous flow of mineral exports through this border crossing raises serious concerns about air and water quality, as well as soil contamination. Local communities in both Myanmar and Thailand face increasing health risks from pollution. The long-term environmental impact could lead to severe ecological degradation if not regulated.

Environmental risks are mounting.