OPINION

Laos ignores dam flak

News, Editorial, Published on 04/11/2015

» The Lao government is forging ahead with the construction of the massive Don Sahong dam, close to the tri-border area with Thailand and Cambodia, within the next few weeks. The dam is yet another large-scale project being undertaken by Vientiane to make Laos "the battery of Southeast Asia". Under the programme, Laos intends to become a serious electricity exporter to its neighbours. This may happen. But what is already certain to happen is that the projects will disrupt the Mekong River and affect the people of Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand like never before.