It is expected that Thailand’s Prime Minister’s, Prayut Chan-o-cha’s will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the $60 billion Dawei mega project during his visit to Japan next week.
Category: Region
Selected environmental stories from media outlets in the Mekong region and beyond.
ADB urges protection of “natural capital” in the Mekong, while concerns persist about its huge infrastructure investment plans
Environment ministers from the six Mekong Region countries gather every three years to review environmental challenges and regional responses under the Greater Mekong Subregion Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM), hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Mon State Government Meets CSOs, NGOs and INGOs to Discuss Cooperation
To help increase cooperation for development projects in Mon State the Mon State Government held its first meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) on 6 January.
Signatures Gathered in Opposition to Coal-Fired Power Plant
The Parlian Regions United Group (PRUG) is currently gathering signatures from local residents in opposition to the Toyo Thai Group’s proposed coal-fired power plant, to be constructed near Aunden Village, Ye Township, Mon State.
Dawei Project Threatens Livelihood of Locals, Claims Ethnic Women’s Organization
The Dawei Special Economic Zone is threatening local peoples’ way of life, according to a report by the Tavoyan Women’s Union. The DSEZ, a joint venture of Thailand and Burma, has faced controversy since it’s inception with local and international human rights organisations expressing concerns over the project’s affect on the lives of people living in the zone.
PR: Theun–Hinboun Power Company’s Monitoring System Still Shrouded in Secrecy
In May 2014, the General Manager of the Theun – Hinboun Power Company (THPC), Mr. Robert Allen, was appointed as chair of the Lao Hydropower Developers’ Working Group. The Working Group, which is a platform for dam companies established by the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to support companies to “develop hydropower that meets environmental and social best practices” and “improve environmental and social risk management.” Yet, despite Mr. Allen assuming a leadership position in the Working Group, his own company has yet to follow international standards and principles of accountability.
Mong Ton residents call on spirits to protect Salween river
Shan Herald Agency for News About 150 villagers, community leaders and monks in Mong Ton township, southern Shan State held a blessing ceremony to protect the Salween river on Monday morning at the Pithakat Hongtam temple. Sai Nong, a villager from Mong Ton said, “We made merit to ward away bad things from the Salween. […]
Forced evictions cause misery for Phu Phan mountain farmers, Thailand
Tanasak Phosrikun Since Thailand’s coup in May 2014, the military regime of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has embarked on a mission to find and evict “encroachers” on national forest that includes national reserve forests (NRFs) and protected areas (PAs). The NCPO has released the Forestry Master Plan that allows reforestation after […]
Hotels Planned for Untouched Archipelago
The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) has given the green light for hotel projects in Kyunphila, Ngaman and Boywe islands in Myeik Archipelago, Tanintharyi Region, according to the Myeik Division of the Hotels and Tourism Ministry. “The land measurement tasks are already taking place. The Myanmar company will operate in partnership with a foreign counterpart,” said an official from the Myeik Division.
Laos is acting responsibly on Mekong dam project
Environmental activists are once again lashing out at the Lao government and the intergovernmental Mekong River Commission (MRC) in the hope that hydropower projects on the Mekong will be delayed or cancelled.