Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Thai Activists Raise Alarm over New Proposed Lao Mekong Dam

Steve Sandford

   KRABI, THAILAND - Thai activists andorganizations have raised alarm
   bells followinglast month'sannouncement that the Mekong River
   Commissionwill beginitsprior consultation process on
   theSanakhamhydropower plant, anewMekong Riverdam projectin
   northernLaos.

   The plant would be the sixth dam in Laos, costing more than $2
   billion,and would follow Laos'XayaburiDam,farther upstream,whichbegan
   operationinNovember.

   The MRC prior consultation process normally lasts for six months,during
   whichother MRC members,including Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam,can
   review the project and assess any cross-border impacts.

   Whilememberscan suggest changes, the MRC consultation process cannot
   vetoprojects, meaning theSanakhamproject will move forward.

   Save the Mekong, a coalition of organizations and academics,said June 2
   the proposed damis expensive, unnecessary and risky, and should be
   canceled.

   "Now is the time to cancel the Mekong mainstream dams permanently
   andprioritisesustainable and equitable energy options and pathways that
   respect the rights of communities," the group said.

   Like theXayaburiDam, the electricity generated by theSanakhamproject
   wouldmainly be exported to Thailand, a countrymany observers sayis
   already oversuppliedwith power.

   "Records show that electric plants in the region generate enough power
   already and theSanakhamdam will only add moreproblems for the people
   living and working along the river," according toOrmbunThipsuna,
   spokesperson for the Network of Thai People in Eight Mekong Provinces.

   Theorganizationwasscheduled to meetThaigovernment officialsin March to
   discuss thepotentialadverse effectsof the newly
   operationalXayaburidam,along with concerns about the
   proposedSanakhamproject.The meeting was postponedbecauseofthe COVID-19
   pandemic.

   The Lower Mekong Basinhadrecord-low water levels in the last half
   oflast year, which exacerbated Thailand's worst drought in 40 years at
   the beginning of 2020, affecting farmers who heavily depend on the
   waterway for irrigation.

.