Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday ordered a clean-up of the Bang Pakong river following an inspection of the dam site in Chachoengsao.

Mr Thaksin was in the province to inspect the damage caused when the dam gates were briefly shut two years ago. He also visited pig farms blamed for contributing to water pollution.

Following the briefing on the problems, Mr Thaksin ordered authorities to work on cleaning up water pollution first.

``It's easy and cheap to do,'' he said.

Troops would be brought in to help staff from the Livestock, Pollution Control and Irrigation departments.

He said His Majesty the King was concerned about the people who rely on water from the Bang Pakong river in their daily life.

The five-billion-baht dam, located at Ban Phai Sawek in tambon Bang Kaew, Muang district, was built from 1996-2000 by the Irrigation Department to keep sea water from entering the river during the dry season.

After the visit Mr Thaksin went to Wat Sothonworawiharn and talked to the abbot, Phra Ratchamongkolvutthicharn, and his deputy Phra Phitanwattanakij.

The abbot gave a Luang Phor Sothorn amulet and a gold necklace to the premier, who returned the necklace for fear it would break the law against graft.