Showing 11 - 20 of 22
Mekong 'hydro diplomacy' falling short
News, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 11/11/2012
» In a conference room in Chiang Rai recently, more than 100 water experts from around the world put their heads together to try to find new approaches to dealing with transborder water issues more effectively. Jargon flew about the room, especially the term "hydro diplomacy". Not surprisingly, a topic on everyone's lips was the Xayaburi dam project in in Laos, where last Wednesday, despite strong protests from locals and environmentalists and unsettled points of contention among Mekong River Commission (MRC) member states, Laos suddenly proceeded with a ground-breaking ceremony at the construction site to mark the official start of the project.
Villagers vow they won't give up homes for dam
Spectrum, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 04/11/2012
» As soon as staff from an engineering consultancy company arrived at the site of the proposed Kaeng Sua Ten dam project in Phrae province late last month, a scuffle broke out between them and locals from the nearby village of Sa-Iab. Later there was another brief confrontation between officials trying to install water level monitors in the Yom River and villagers who tried to stop them. The officials were surrounded and finally driven out of Sa-Iab in a scene reminiscent of one 10 years ago when villagers seized staff from a consultancy firm employed by the World Bank, injuring some of them.
Government flood 'master plan' faces deluge of criticism
Spectrum, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 14/10/2012
» Vichian Phumlamjiak, chairman of the newly formed Thai Rice Farmers and Farm Folks Association, is hesitant to meet with his fellow farmers and tell them that he has not had any confirmation from the government on how much it will compensate them for the use of their rice fields to help take excess floodwater running down from the North.
Is Bangkok in for a 'water world' sequel?
Spectrum, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 07/10/2012
» Since last year's floods inundated Bangkok, city and government officials have set about the task of dredging close to 1,000 canals to try and prevent a repeat of the catastrophe in the capital.
Koh Samet's serenity shattered by development and disputes
Spectrum, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 23/09/2012
» As we arrive at the exclusive five-star beach resort on the southern tip of Koh Samet a young security guard approaches us and asks us where we think we are going.
Rayong governor, Parks chief feel the pier pressure over 'Tasteless' wharf
News, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 16/09/2012
» Abattle of wills is looming between two senior government officials over the construction of a new pier on Koh Samet which the Rayong administration says is necessary, the national parks chief says is in violation of the law and tourists say is ''tasteless''.
Laos denies lying about dam construction
News, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 22/07/2012
» Following allegations Laos has ignored its Mekong River Commission (MRC) neighbours and proceeded with construction of the Xayaburi Dam project, Laos' Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Viraphonh Viravong spoke to the Bangkok Post Sunday to explain the other side of the story. The following is an edited version of the interview.
MRC nations invited to visit dam
News, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 15/07/2012
» The Lao government has invited representatives of fellow Lower Mekong countries to inspect the controversial Xayaburi Dam site for the first time.
Thailand deemed safe from a serious land earthquake
News, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 29/04/2012
» A frightening scenario of hundreds of buildings crashing down and tsunami surges devastating vast areas of Thailand is unlikely, experts say, even though numerous fault lines criss-cross the country.
Mega dams holding back tide of goodwill in myanmar
News, Piyaporn Wongruang, Published on 25/03/2012
» The controversial Salween River dam project near the border is shaping as a major stumbling block to achieving lasting peace between the Myanmar army and ethnic groups who fear Nypiyadaw has no real intention of withdrawing its troops.