Environment and natural resources
Lancang-Mekong leaders agree to pursue peaceful, prosperous region
Leaders from the six countries along the Lancang-Mekong River agreed on 23 March in China’s Hainan province to join forces to build a peaceful and prosperous community, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said, and has reached the agreement at the first Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting ...
Villagers torch ELC guard posts in land dispute protest
More than 200 people from five villages in Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces burned two rubber company guard posts to the ground on March 21, in protest of the planned clearing of at least 1,000 hectares of disputed farmland and forests, including land on ...
Forest wildfires ring Mae Hong Son township
Forest fires were still burning high on mountains ringing Thailand’s provincial capital Mae Hong Son on 22 March, with firefighters struggling to reach hot spots in very difficult terrain. Keep reading ...
China agrees to share data on its dams
China has agreed to share information on the management of dams in the Mekong River, known as Lancang in China, with other countries connected to the river, says Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment spokesman Suphot Tovichakchaikul. The move aims to reduce the impact of ...
Kampong Thom communities facing water shortages
About 5,000 families in Kampong Thom’s Stoung district are facing water shortages as the hot El Niño climate pattern bakes Cambodia for the second consecutive year. While there is enough drinking water for the time being, some residents have to drive a considerable distance to ...
Leaders of Mekong nations urged to consider environment at summit
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will chair the meeting in Sanya on 23 March, which will also involve the leaders of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. They will discuss the formulation of initiatives and measures under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation. At Wednesday’s meeting the discussion will focus on a ...
Illegal wildlife trade thriving
Despite concerted efforts by officials to prevent the illegal trade in wildlife through regular inspections in markets around the country, the trade is still flourishing unchecked. While the government is working to preserve aquatic animals and wildlife and protected areas, the sight of wild fauna for ...
Hadxaifong water treatment plant set for expansion
The Chinaimo treatment plant in Vientiane will be enlarged to improve water distribution through a loan of about 10.271 billion yen (749 billion kip) from the Japanese government. Keep reading ...
Thai hotels on drought alert
Hoteliers in major tourist destinations are preparing measures to deal with the serious drought this summer. Members of the Thai Hotels Association are running water-saving campaigns after being warned that this year’s drought will be the worst in a decade. Keep reading ...
Water shortage grips half of Thailand - officials
More than half of Thailand is gripped by water shortages from the drought, according to the Department of Water Resources, but the irrigation chief remains positive that supplies can last until the rainy season if everyone steps up conservation efforts. Keep reading ...
