Thai deputy minister washes face with Mae Sai tap water amid arsenic concerns

CHIANG RAI — Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth has reassured residents of Mae Sai district by washing his face with tap water, dispelling their concerns about potential arsenic contamination. Following an inspection of a water treatment plant, Jeseth declared the treated tap water safe for household use and consumption.

However, skepticism persists, with some residents questioning whether arsenic levels exceed safety standards. Social media reactions include a challenge for the minister to drink the water himself if it's truly safe. In response, Jeseth posted a video of himself washing his face with the tap water, jokingly noting it makes him look more handsome.

This demonstration was prompted by ongoing public worries about water quality in Mae Sai, where some residents have turned to bottled water for drinking and cooking despite official assurances. While the video showed the minister using the tap water on his face rather than drinking it, the report did not include laboratory results confirming arsenic levels in the treated water.