Thailand’s outdated and somewhat defunct education system is holding back a new generation from becoming productive and innovative, it turned out in the new Human Capital Index issued by the World Bank and released on October 11.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
Myanmar’s first solar power plant to start operations in Magwe
The power plant, in Minbu township, Magwe Region, is expected to produce 40 megawatts initially but will produce 170MW once fully operational, according to U Maung Maung Kyaw.
SK E&C’s attempts to cut costs led to design changes that resulted in collapse of dam in Laos
SK E&C attempted to earn excessive profits with changes to the format and design of a dam in Laos that eventually collapsed last July, an internal document confirmed on Oct. 14.
Committee to relocate national park villagers
The Ministry of Environment and Siem Reap provincial administration have formed a joint committee to deliberate the relocation of 5,000 people from Kulen Mountain following deforestation in the tourist area.
Chinese Tourism Benefits Few in Laos, Sources Say
A lot of Chinese are coming, but the problem is that most of them use their own services, and stay at hotels and use tours run by other Chinese. They even have their own tour guides.
Thailand plants new Sadao SEZ investment of B20bn
The new special economic zone (SEZ) in Sadao, Songkhla will be able to attract investment worth 20 billion baht and create roughly 6,000 jobs.
Chinese investment in Laos’ energy sector tops 15 billion USD
China is now one of the largest investors in the hydropower sector in Laos, engaging in about half of the total number of hydropower projects in the Southeast Asian nation.
Ensuring stability of Mekong nations
When China backs up the development of other countries forcibly in disregard of their financial strength, environment and human rights issues, it could impede their healthy development.
Cambodia construction boom built on ‘blood bricks’ and slavery – report
Fueled by aid agencies’ development strategies, families are forced to remain on kilns until their debts are repaid. Many remain there for decades–in conditions of modern slavery.
Rising oil prices helpIng Vietnam fast-growing economy
They are helping Vietnam earn money that will quicken its already fast economic growth and may help the country build new infrastructure. The only red light: higher fuel prices among Vietnam’s consumers.