Showing 1 - 10 of 19
The day dams silenced Luang Prabang
Life, Wisa Wisesjindawat-Fink, Published on 19/02/2024
» While almost 10 hydropower mega-dams have been removed across the United States to revitalise rivers and people's lives, the governments of Laos and Thailand have reached an agreement to construct more such dams on the mainstream of the Lower Mekong River. Eleven dams are planned, despite the devastating consequences of two already operational dams on the river's ecosystem and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on it.
Putting food on the table
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 23/01/2024
» Thailand ranks 13th among world food exporters, accounting for 2.3% of the global food market, valued at approximately 1.1 billion baht. However, according to the GermanWatch Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Thailand ranks ninth out of 180 countries for long-term climate risk. Climate risk affects Thailand in several aspects, especially in tourism and agriculture.
Life on the Mekong and Mississippi
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 21/03/2023
» To celebrate 190 years of US-Thai diplomatic relations, the art exhibition "Rivers Of Life" has been organised by the US embassy, ICONSIAM and the Chiang Khong community of Chiang Rai. On view at ICONSIAM, the exhibition features two videos -- I See That You Don't See created by Montika Kam-On, a young Thai moving image artist, and A Tale Of Two Rivers created by Alexis Karl, a US filmmaker and perfume artist. Both aim to raise awareness about environmental issues related to the two rivers -- the Mekong and the Mississippi.
Striking a balance
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 09/03/2022
» Most people believe planting trees is good for the environment, but in some cases, it can be a threat. At the exhibition "Paradise Lost", a video interview with botanist Assoc Prof Kitichate Sridith helps visitors understand that forests cannot be built.
Innovating for a better tomorrow
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 15/11/2021
» Innovative ideas can help develop a country. So in order to encourage people to think outside the box, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) named "100 Faces Of Thailand's Innovation Inspirers 2". These 100 people are recognised for inspirational ideas, works and achievements in six categories -- artists, designers, social movers, technology entrepreneurs, creative entrepreneurs and knowledge providers. The long list includes public figures and specialists from different fields.
Bangkok struggles to keep head above water
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 01/10/2021
» Rainy weeks have sparked fears that Bangkok will be submerged, prompting authorities to implement flood measures ranging from unclogging the dilapidated drainage system to monitoring water levels around the clock.
An all-too-familiar sight
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 21/09/2021
» Torrential rain has recently left many areas underwater. Last month, it caused flash flooding and forest runoff in the northern provinces. Caught off guard, residents climbed onto rooftops as water swept into their properties.
Against the currents
Life, Vasana Chinvarakorn and Piyanan Jitjang, Published on 21/04/2021
» Through disasters, a fellowship was struck. Ormboon Thipsuna remembers the date well, Aug 12, 2008, when a deluge of water from the Mekong swept through her hometown of Nong Khai and seven riparian northeastern provinces. Considering the rainfall was rather small and the Mekong's gradual seasonal pace of fluctuations, many locals believed the sudden mega-flood, at times water levels went up as high as 13m, was caused by China's dams upstream. Importantly, Ormboon got to know Niwat Roykaew, aka "Kru Tee", founder of the Rak Chiang Khong group based in Chiang Rai province.
Feel the people's power flow
Life, Vasana Chinvarakorn and Piyanan Jitjang, Published on 14/04/2021
» Amid the jubilation, there was a brief moment of uneasiness. Last September, during a ceremony to award the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Equator Prize held at the Boon Rueang wetland forest in Chiang Rai province, participants noticed the ground was much drier than it used to be. The moderator even joked that had the "wetland forest" venue been as wet as before during the monsoon season, they would have been celebrating the occasion partly submerged.
A disappearing river
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 24/03/2021
» Artist Disorn Duangdao is one of the many people who has seen the Mekong River in Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai, change from muddy brown to an aquamarine colour. Although the blue river looks beautiful to tourists, it is actually a sign that the river is starving of vital sediment because dams in China are preventing it from flowing downstream. Another negative impact caused by the dam is that the river has dried up so much that the rocks in the bed can be seen for the first time.