After Xayaburi, it's time for some 'hydro-diplomacy'

CONSERVATION

After Xayaburi, it's time for some 'hydro-diplomacy'

Published: 5 Feb 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Xayaburi dam in Laos on Nov 7 marked the symbolic end to a long and contentious international campaign to delay the dam's construction until further studies into its potential trans-boundary impacts were complete.

A group of villagers from Mekong River provinces protests in front of the headquarters of Ch Karnchang, the Thai company contracted to build the controversial hydroelectric Xayaburi dam in Laos. THITI WANNAMONTHA

According to the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) prepared in 2010 on behalf of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), these studies would have taken at least 10 years. But what was really at stake with Xayaburi? What has the debate over this dam taught us? And where do we go from here?

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bucktoui
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Discussion 1 : 05 Feb 2013 at 11.301
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Laos said if China can built why can't we build, China didn't care why should we care? True, Mekong flow along Laos land in that area; the lesson Laos never learned here is that after China put four dams in Mekong River, Laos have problem with low level of water especially during the dry season. Since China made mistake why Laos can not make mistake too? Since China destroy Mekong why can't Laos destroy it too. Who care with Thai, Khmer or Viet living down stream. This attitude is not the attitude of living peaceful with neighbor. USA is good example for past mistake, now they are trying to reverse, Can CH Karnchang reverse it for Laos later
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After Xayaburi, it's time for some 'hydro-diplomacy' | Bangkok Post: opinion