Northeast residents oppose 6th Laos dam project
Thai residents living in eight northeastern provinces along the Mekong River are opposed to Laos’ plans to construct a new hydropower dam on the Mekong River over fears it will threaten the river system, where seasonal flooding supports fisheries and regional agriculture.
The protest comes as Laos submitted its plan to build the Sanakham hydropower plant with the Mekong River Commission (MRC), an intergovernmental agency that works with regional governments.
Opponents say Thais living along the Mekong River will be deeply affected by the dam.
Aomboon Thipsuda, who represents Thais living in northeastern provinces along the Mekong River banks, expressed shock after seeing plans to move forward with the dam on the MRC’s website.
