News
Thailand to Air Concerns with River Commission over Drought, Chinese Dams in Mekong
Thailand will raise concerns about its current drought during a Mekong River Commission meeting expected next month, the Thai water-resources chief said, as local farmers complained that dams in China were choking the waterway on which millions depend for their livelihoods.Somkiat Prajamwong, director of Thailand’s ...
China and mastery of the Mekong
97 kilometres of rocks in Thai waters stand between Beijing and dominance over the Mekong, a mighty river that feeds millions as it threads south from the Tibetan plateau through five countries before emptying into the South China Sea.China has long wanted to dredge the ...
Falling Mekong water levels increase farming cost in Nong Khai
The Mekong River’s level in Nong Khai province of Thailand dropped to 1.83 metres on Thursday (January 9), much lower than the bank’s 10.37 metres.Compared to the same period in 2019, the current water level was lower by over 2 metres, causing sandy areas to ...
The Nation Reporter
Dams lead to extinction
Before being officially declared extinct by scientists late last month, the Chinese paddlefish, a native to the Yangtze River system, had been listed along with the Mekong giant catfish as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.The extinction of the paddlefish, one ...
Editorial
Run-off dam met with reservation
The hydro-electric power plant planned in Luang Prabang will not have any big transboundary impact on Thailand, said the head of Laos’ Department of Energy Policy and Planning, who argued that with Thailand’s support, the project stands to benefit everyone.Department chief Chansaveng Buongnong said hydro-electric ...
Mekong sandbanks obstruct cross-border boat services
The lowest level of water in the Mekong river in several decades has caused sandbanks to emerge, obstructing boat services across the border between Thailand and Laos, according to a local report.The low level of water has been caused by many factors including drought and ...
Pattanapong Sripiachai
Dam testing in China to affect eight Mekong River provinces
Eight provinces along the Mekong River have been told to brace themselves for a dip in water levels between Jan 1-4 as tests at Jinghong hydroelectric power station in China’s Yunnan province are expected decrease of water outflows.According to the Office of National Water Resources ...
Bangkok Post Reporter
China closes Mekong River stretch
China has declared a 60-kilometre section of Mekong River off-limits to all types of boats indefinitely while rock blasting is undertaken to widen the channel for commercial shipping operations.China announced on Friday that operators of all types of boats should avoid entering the river from ...
Bangkok Post Reporter
Southeast Asia’s rivers under threat
From rivulets to regionwide river channels, the Southeast Asian region hosts dozens of rivers. The most well-known river in Southeast Asia is the Mekong River – spanning five countries in the region itself.The Mekong, which is also the 12th longest river in the world is ...
Deteriorating Mekong ecosystem alarms activists
Environment advocates are voicing concerns over the Mekong River’s deteriorating ecosystem, especially with more projects set to affect the waterway in the pipeline.“If these so-called development projects continue, especially the construction of more dams, the Mekong will face a crisis,” said Niwat Roi-kaeo, president of ...
Wassayos Ngamkham