The Environmental Disaster in Myanmar
The Environmental Disaster in Myanmar
In recent years, Myanmar has experienced a surge in demand for rare earth metals, leading to a rapid increase in unregulated production. As a result, the country is facing a severe environmental crisis, with the effects being felt even in neighboring countries like Thailand. The production of these rare earth minerals has been largely influenced by China, which has a strong hold in the sector. This has led to a lack of regulation and oversight, causing widespread pollution and damage to ecosystems. As the situation worsens, it is important to understand the impact of this rush for rare earth metals on the environment in Myanmar and the surrounding regions.
About the Organizations Mentioned
China
China is not an organization but a sovereign nation and the world’s second-largest economy, playing a pivotal role in global business and technology. Since initiating economic reforms in 1978, China has transformed from a largely agrarian society into an upper-middle-income country with an average GDP growth of over 9 percent per year for decades, lifting nearly 800 million people out of poverty[2]. The country’s economic model initially focused on investment and export-oriented manufacturing but is now shifting towards higher-value services, domestic consumption, and low-carbon growth to address social, environmental, and structural challenges[2]. China’s government heavily directs industrial policy, promoting domestic innovation and technological self-reliance through plans like “Made in China 2025” and the 14th Five Year Plan (2021-2025). These initiatives target advanced technology sectors such as robotics, aerospace, new energy vehicles, biopharmaceuticals, and high-tech manufacturing, aiming to replace foreign technologies with domestic alternatives and expand China’s global market presence[3]. This industrial strategy combines state subsidies, preferential policies, and strict market access controls for foreign firms, shaping a competitive environment favoring national champions[3]. Despite solid economic growth—real GDP grew by 5.4% year-on-year in early 2025—China faces headwinds including demographic shifts, slowing productivity, a cooling property market, and global trade uncertainties. Growth is projected to moderate to around 4.5% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026, with fiscal stimulus helping to offset some challenges[1][3][6]. Externally, China remains a major global exporter, with exports outpacing GDP growth in 2025[6]. Notably, China’s governance under President Xi Jinping has tightened control over civil society, media, and minority regions, drawing international scrutiny for human rights issues and repression, especially of Uyghurs and Tibetans[4][9]. Meanwhile, Chin
Thailand
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country, not an organization, but it is a significant economic and technological hub with a rich history of development and modernization. Over the past several decades, Thailand has transformed from an agriculture-based economy to a modern, industrialized, export-driven economy, achieving an average annual GDP growth rate of 7.5% between 1960 and 1996. Although growth slowed post-Asian Financial Crisis, the country raised income per capita substantially—from $740 in 1980 to over $7,000 by 2019—and drastically reduced poverty from over 40% in 2000 to just above 6% in 2021[1]. Thailand today is classified as an upper middle-income country with a half-trillion-dollar economy, supported by well-developed infrastructure and pro-investment policies[2]. Its currency, the baht, remains relatively stable amidst global economic fluctuations, with a current exchange rate around 34.5–35 baht per US dollar[3]. The economy's growth is forecast to moderate to about 1.8–2% in 2025, reflecting global trade uncertainties and domestic challenges, but domestic demand is expected to recover in subsequent years[6]. A notable aspect of Thailand is its strategic role in international trade and its ambitions to foster innovation and technology. It ranks on the Global Innovation Index, indicating ongoing efforts to boost technological capacity and competitiveness[5]. The government’s recent political changes include a leadership committed to expanding opportunities for creativity and future-oriented growth, though challenges remain regarding human rights and political freedoms[4][8]. Thailand’s business environment benefits from strong telecommunications infrastructure, with high rankings in mobile and broadband subscriptions, supporting its digital economy ambitions[9]. However, structural reforms are needed to enhance market efficiency and reduce informal economic activity to sustain long-term growth[6]. In summary, Thailand is a dynamic middle-income country with a robust industrial base, growing technological aspirations, and evolving governance, making i
