Northeastern folk voice fears over new Mekong dam

Unseasonal drought, floods and the negative impact of hydropower projects on the Mekong River’s ecology were major concerns raised by residents of northeastern provinces at a public hearing on the Luang Prabang Dam on Tuesday.

Pradap Klatkhemphet, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), said the opinions will be summarised and included in a statement of Thai concerns regarding Laos’ plans for the new Mekong dam.

Thailand will forward the statement to the Mekong River Commission (MRC), the regional body governing use of the river and featuring as members Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

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APINYA WIPATAYOTIN