Environment and natural resources
Gold diggers: Thai gold mine causes environmental and health problems
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A major Geographical investigation looks at the devastating environmental and debilitating health effects a Thai gold mine is having on a village in Loei, and at how a group of determined villagers are fighting back This idyllic valley is the stage for the violent suppression of popular protests in the ...
Thailand's NRCT strikes deal on haze reduction in northern region
The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has made an agreement with the 3rd Army Area on a cooperative effort to reduce haze disasters caused by burnings in the northern region. The NRCT Secretary-General Soottiporn Chittmittrapap has revealed that the NRCT has joined hands with the ...
One man's quest to save the most colossal fishes on earth
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Zeb Hogan has been funded by National Geographic to research giant freshwater fish. “After working on this for about 10 years,” he says, “it turns out that there are about 30 species of freshwater fish that can get over 6 feet long or weigh more than ...
Laos: New farming methods suited to climate change
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Poverty and scarce food supply was just a fact of life for the people in Koutou village, Luang Namtha province, Laos. With most people relying on rice farming and livestock for their livelihood, there were few options for other income. Koutou is one of 13 villages ...
Mekong's steady flow of tourism
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Pongpet Mekloy argues that Thailand and Laos need to work closer together in order to capitalise on their joint attractions that line the mighty river. Research by Si Sa Ket Rajabhat University is highlighted, which investigated the potential for tourism along the international river, focusing on the ...
DMR hosts the 3rd Thai - Lao technical conference on geology and mineral resources
Thailand is hosting the 3rd Thai – Lao Technical conference on Geology and Mineral Resources, which is being held at the Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel, Bangkok, 7-11 July. Thailand and Lao PDR have been working together on geology and mineral resources study for over 12 years. ...
MWA: Bangkok will not run out of tap water
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The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has categorically denied reports that Bangkok’s tap water supply would last only 30 more days if there was no rain. MWA governor Thanasak Watanathana said possible tap water disruption in a month was based on the assumption there would be no rainfall. ...
China climate targets prompt fears over surge in dam construction
China’s plan to cut carbon emissions commits Beijing to a surge in construction of ecologically destructive hydropower dams that heralds the end of free-flowing rivers in the country, experts say. Beijing last week formally submitted its 2030 goals for generating energy from non-fossil fuels, garnering international praise as nations ...
Lack of rain gauges putting weathermen at disadvantage
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While some areas of Cambodia are undoubtedly suffering from an extended dry season, a lack of rain gauges means that comprehensive data is hard to find. Oum Ryna, director of the Department of Meteorology at the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, told Post Weekend that the ...
Could damming the Mekong destroy south-east Asia's greatest river and food bowl?
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Conservationists, politicians and at least one prime minister are warning the quest for hydro power for booming urban centres in China and south-east Asia is threatening the food supply of more than 40 million people, including millions in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s food bowl. Kraisak Choonhavan, ...