The call for changing the river back was far more dominant than any request for cash compensation. We want the old Se San back so we can fish and do other activities the same as before. According to the study, the water quality has deteriorated greatly since 1996. Surges of water coming downstream are reddish in color, muddy and have the foul odor of stagnant water. The report could not quantify the health effects of the water quality, but noted that people living along the river reported a rapid decline in health once the changes became apparent.
Locals complain of intense itchiness, lumps and infections on their skin, and eye irritation.
They have also reported other health problems that have coincided with the sudden rises in water levels. These included stomach aches, diarrhea, respiratory problems, throat and nose irritation, dizziness, vomiting and coughing. Many reported family members dying one to five days after becoming ill. She complained of itchiness, diarrhea, vomiting and a persistent cough. I am not lying about the water quality.