Region Archives

Dawei road start faces delays

By Nantiya Tangwisutijit February 28, 2016

Construction of a road linking the Dawei deep-sea port in Myanmar with Kanchanaburi will be delayed after Japan determined that 15-degree inclines along seven stretches of the road would be unsafe for lorries.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Friday construction of the 138km road from the Dawei deep-sea port to Ban Phu Nam Ron in Kanchanaburi must be postponed.

The project was due to start in March.

The delay comes following an inspection by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

Energy projects to spark FDI growth

By Paritta Wangkiat February 27, 2016January 11, 2024

The local energy sector is expected to be the next driver for foreign direct investment growth in Vietnam this year.

PM Pledges 1M Hectares of ELC Land to Poor

By Paritta Wangkiat February 26, 2016January 11, 2024

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday declared an end to the government’s review of Cambodia’s economic land concessions (ELCs), pledging that nearly 1 million hectares of reappropriated property would be handed over to poor families. He also announced a major reorganization of the two ministries involved in granting ELCs.

Environmental and human rights groups have identified ELCs as a cause of some of Cambodia’s most pressing problems in recent years, from rampant deforestation to forced evictions across the country.

Dawei SEZ project sparks hopes and worries

By Paritta Wangkiat February 26, 2016January 11, 2024

At present, there is only a wide road and vast fields but the area will soon be a flourishing major economic hub for neighbouring countries including Thailand and Myanmar. It is the site of the Dawei deep-sea port, the largest in the country, with a project area spanning thousands of square kilometres.

Myanmar Oil Gas Industry Opportunity, Analysis and Forecast Report 2016

By Paritta Wangkiat February 25, 2016January 11, 2024

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Myanmar Oil Gas Industry Analysis and Forecast Report (Q1 2016). The premier report provides analysis of key opportunities and associated challenges facing Myanmar oil and gas industry. Amidst several challenges confronting the oil and gas industry including fall in prices, changing market conditions, oil and gas sector risk and shift in competitive landscape, the report provides detailed insights into critical short and long term factors set to shape the outlook.

A Tipping Point for the Mekong

Paritta Wangkiat February 25, 2016January 11, 2024

A cascade of hydropower dams, driven primarily by Thailand and Laos, threatens to turn this thriving, productive waterway into a fragmented, impoverished ghost of itself. And that spells trouble for the region – and beyond. As President Obama meets with Southeast Asian leaders in California, he must address the conflicts over these projects, and advocate for a solution that will ensure the health of the river and thus the region’s economic and political future.

Thanlwin River communities demand end to dam projects

By Paritta Wangkiat February 25, 2016January 11, 2024

Communities living along the Thanlwin River have requested that the new government stop dam projects on the river as the projects lack transparency support from the locals. Analysts said the main reasons to stop the dam projects are connected with climate change in Myanmar.

Iron mine damages 25ha of rice fields

By Paritta Wangkiat February 25, 2016January 11, 2024

The exploitation of an iron mine has caused landslide, damaging some 25ha of rice fields in Ho Hamlet, Huong Son Commune, Huong Hoa District of the in this Central Quang Tri Province.

The local authority identified an upstream iron mine, managed by Hoanh Son Industry, Trade and Services JSC, as the source of the problem.

Legal officers discuss environmental issues and court to punish offenders

By Paritta Wangkiat February 25, 2016January 11, 2024

Environmental problems have been escalating and impacting people at large, resulting in both private and public litigations. While the environmental justice process involves government sectors that could delay the trial process, making solving of environmental problems too difficult to heal.

ASEAN’s special role in managing energy decision: LS2 dam

By Paritta Wangkiat February 25, 2016January 11, 2024

Mekong countries’ chronic shortage of electricity which threatens to stymie economic growth, could be eased by pushing for acceleration of plans by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for a regional power grid. However, damming the Mekong River can causes widespread controversy in South East Asia. Lower Sesan 2 dam on Mekong river in Cambodia is a typical example.