News
Green energy remains untapped
Cambodia is overly reliant on developing large-scale hydro and fossil fuel-fired power stations, and should look to diversify its energy generation portfolio through cost-effective non-hydro renewable energy technologies that also offer fewer social and environmental costs, a study released on 20 January advised. In a report titled ...
HRW slams ASEAN invites to US summit
Human Rights Watch has called on US President Barack Obama to make sure that human rights are at the top of the agenda when the US leader hosts the heads of ASEAN at a summit in California next month. Keep reading ...
Secretary of State Kerry visit to Laos confirmed
US Secretary of State John Kerry will pay an official visit to Laos on 24 January with a view to strengthening links between Vientiane and Washington, the local Foreign Ministry confirmed. Keep reading ...
Laos' sleepy capital awakens to a construction boom
The capital of Laos is a low-rise, low-key city, especially when compared with the hulking high-rises and bustling streets of better-known Southeast Asian cities such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. But this once-sleepy city is fast shedding its sedate reputation due to a building boom ...
Thai Government moving quickly on rubber crisis
The Thai government will step up efforts to reduce rubber plantations, particularly on encroached lands as part of measures to tackle the low rubber price. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his administration will consider whether rubber plantations can be scaled down. Keep reading ...
Severest drought in 20 years hits Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen province is facing its severest water shortage in two decades, with Ubonrat Dam at only 27% of its holding capacity, according to the provincial fisheries office. Keep reading ...
Rice growers drilling wells in dry riverbed
Some rice farmers in Phitsanulok province are drilling wells in their dry riverbed to get around the Irrigation Department’s warning not to grow off-season crops due to the water shortage, insisting it’s the only livelihood they know. Keep reading ...
NLD compiles land-grab lists
Amid indications that the incoming National League for Democracy government will take up the issue of land-grabs, the party’s Mandalay Region has begun compiling a list of farmland seized unlawfully in the region. “We are collecting data on farmland disputes. It will be up to the ...
Dala residents fret over bridge payouts
Dala township residents who agreed to accept compensation in exchange for land needed for a long-awaited bridge are hoping to get paid before the new government takes office. Of the 68 landowners affected, 66 have now agreed the terms offered following protracted negotiations last year. Both sides ...
Ministry of Home Affairs strikes up jade probe
A jade probe led by the government following several deadly accidents at mines in Kachin State has expanded its scope and is now being overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The special investigative team, which was previously under the Ministry of the Environment, is looking into ...
