Network Association of Mekong Community Organizations Council statement on constructing dams on Mekong River
On December 17, 2021 at Chiang Khan School Auditorium Chiang Khan District, Loei Province, National Water Resources Office (NSTDA) has organized a forum for “Surrounding the Mekong People” in the case of Sanakham Dam” in the aforementioned stage comments from experts in engineering, fisheries and socio-economic areas provided and opened a process for people affected, especially in the 8 provinces along the Mekong River, to join and express their opinions.
On behalf of the community organization council network in 7 provinces in the Northeastern region (KorKhor.), which is caused by the gathering of people who have been affected in the area from the construction of dams on the Mekong River for more than 10 years.
1. We oppose any dam construction on the Mekong River due to past dams in Thailand and neighboring countries that have affected the way of life clearly in the environment especially the Xayaburi Dam, which is only 300 kilometers from the Thai border. Therefore, the Sanakham dam, which is only 1.5 kilometers away, will have an inevitable impact.
2. The government’s solution to the Mekong dam construction is unclear. Even the Mekong Community Organization Council network in 7 northeastern provinces (KorKhor.) will try to submit a request to the government to resolve the problem and on March 11, 2021. In the past, a total of 7 days later, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the National Water Resources Office to together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with the NCPO and various agencies have set up a committee to develop a plan for the development of agriculture and fisheries, which is the 2023-70 plan. In helping affected farmers, however, the NCPO found that none of the agencies had clear data on the impacts for planning purposes including the National Water Resources Office.
Some academic institutions are conducting research reports to monitor the impact of this matter. The results of the research still do not clearly indicate that The impact was caused by dam construction and claimed to be the result of global warming. Lack of clear studies on how dams are a catalyst for global warming and more importantly, a lack of participation from all affected people.
3. NCPO calls on the Thai government to stop carrying out such activities. We have found that there is a large amount of Thai investment abroad in the construction of the Mekong River tributary dams, such as the Xayaburi Dam, Luang Prabang Dam under construction. We ask the government whether the country’s backup power is plentiful, but why would Thailand buy electricity from neighboring countries again? The Thai government encourages Thais to invest in both the dimensions of the Mekong dam construction. Buying electricity without paying attention to the suffering of the people? by CH. Karnchang in the case of Xayaburi Dam
The case of Luang Prabang Dam, the Italian-Thai Company in the case of Ban Kum Dam, CP Company Phu Ngoi Dam which is pointing into the PNPCA stage.
NCPO calls on the government, especially the country’s leaders helped explain to the people of the Mekong Basin, answering to the people of the whole country why there was excess electricity and why they had to buy electricity from the Mekong Dam.
Purchasing electricity in advance, tt’s like certifying the construction of a dam. No one buys it, nor produces it for sale. The government must stop facilitating Thai private companies and should no longer be involved in the destruction of the Mekong River.
We urge the Thai state to take concrete steps to address the problems that have already arisen. to the people affected We urge the Thai state to stop purchasing electricity from any Mekong dams because it is not necessary.
Source: Nongkhai Online News, Pattarawin Leepan