Showing 1 - 10 of 18
Make use of MRC talks
Oped, Editorial, Published on 14/11/2025
» Thailand is set to host a meeting of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) in Chiang Rai from Nov 25-27. The choice of location couldn't be more appropriate -- for over a decade, local civic groups have been using the northern province as a base for their campaigns against major infrastructure projects, which they believe could harm the region's rivers.
Thai-Vietnamese ties enter new phase
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/06/2025
» Vietnam has made significant strides this year in building strong, comprehensive strategic partnerships (CSPs) with four key Asean nations -- Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. It is a notable achievement for Hanoi, reflecting its growing confidence and increasing political influence. Earlier batches of CSPs included global powers such as China, Russia, India, South Korea, Japan, the US, and Australia.
Securing the Mekong's water future
Oped, Anoulak Kittikhoun, Published on 18/09/2024
» Today, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Mekong River Commission (MRC) kick off a second round of talks about water security.
Cambodia starts to flex its muscles
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/07/2024
» The Funan Techo Canal -- a US$1.7 billion (62 billion baht) waterway -- reflects Cambodia's growing confidence and assertiveness in pursuing national interests. This water infrastructure projects Cambodia as a viable and dynamic little tiger, no longer a war-torn nation. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet's leadership, Cambodia is taking a more proactive stance overall despite facing objections from neighbours like Vietnam that stand to bear the direct impact of this naval logistics scheme.
Missed energy transition opportunity
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 22/06/2024
» I recently reviewed the draft Power Development Plan (PDP2024), outlining Thailand's power development roadmap from 2024 to 2037. This draft, which was put for a public hearing process during June 12–19, left me disappointed. The lower-than-expected economic growth, high energy surplus, fluctuating electricity costs due to gas price volatility and a more ambitious net-zero target all signal a need to recalibrate our plans towards low carbon emissions.
How green is the energy from our hydro dams?
Oped, Kongpob Areerat, Published on 29/05/2024
» Thailand’s National Energy Plan (NEP), a blueprint for the country’s energy strategy from 2023 to 2037, has earned praise for its noble goal of increasing the use of clean, renewable energy. The plan states that by 2050, half of the electricity consumed locally must be clean and renewable energy — solar cells, wind, biomass, small nuclear and hydro dams.
Cambodian canal tests Mekong unity
Oped, Brian Eyler & Jake Brunner, Published on 10/05/2024
» Cambodia has every right to develop infrastructure to promote economic development in its part of the Mekong Basin, but the way Cambodia's government is conducting diplomacy around the 180-km Funan Techo Canal threatens to undo three decades of Mekong collaboration.
Can river meet all needs at same time?
Oped, Apisom Intralawan & David Wood, Published on 17/11/2023
» Population and economic growth -- including the switch to electric vehicles and the rapidly expanding use of digital technology, leads to higher global electricity demand, which is expected to double by 2050, according to In McKinsey's report "The Global Energy Perspective 2021".
Rising flows of concern
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/08/2023
» As farmers worry about a pending drought, isolated yet severe flash flooding has hit several Thai provinces along the Mekong River since early this month.
Mekong River agency must step up
Oped, Brian Eyler, Published on 01/04/2023
» This week from April 2-5, the leaders and relevant ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam will gather in Vientiane, Laos, to reaffirm their commitment to the sustainable development and management of the Mekong's mighty river system.