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Mekong Peoples’ Network of Thailand Stands Up Against Pak Beng Dam

By December 16, 2024No Comments

More than 200 Mekong communities in Chiang Rai and the Northeast region of Thailand Stand up for the government to Stop the Pak Beng Dam and review the environmental and security impact studies on Thai-Laos border communities.

More than 200 representatives of village community leaders, women leaders, mayors, and the Mekong River community network came together from the Kok and Ing Rivers in Wiang Kaen, Chiang Khong, and Chiang Saen Districts in Chiang Rai Province. They were joined by representatives of women leaders from Roi Et Province and civil society networks participating in the "Hompoi Stop Pak Beng Dam." They insist on stopping or delaying the progress of the impact study to allow time to clarify the impact, and to develop common governance and cross-border water management.

At 10 a.m. on December 7, the Mekong School: Institute of Local Knowledge and the Chiang Khong Conservation Group in collaboration with the Mekong River Conservation Network from communities along the Mekong River from Wiang Kaen, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen Districts, and a network of NGOs held a public forum “Hompoi: Stop the Pak Beng Dam” in opposition to the development of the Pak Beng Hydropower Dam Project. The dam was first brought for consultation to the Mekong River Commission in 2016. It is a run-of-river hydroelectric dam set above Pak Beng District city, UdomXai Province, Lao. 

  Khru Tee-Niwat RoyKaew, the Chiang Khong Conservation Group chairman and director of the Mekong School: Institute of Local Knowledge, spoke about the event “Stop Pak Beng Dam Campaign.” The Pak Beng Dam would be located 96 km from the Thai border in Laos. The operational level of the reservoir is planned at 340 meters above sea level. A joint venture between Chinese and Thai companies is constructing it. He expressed concerns that discussions around the dam have focused on electricity production and sales. This neglects the potential impacts on local communities, particularly the risk of backflow flooding affecting agricultural areas and cultural sites, which could lead to significant losses for residents. He said in his speeches and public forums highlighted the old-fashioned nature of dam construction and that dam construction is not clean renewable energy.

  Mr. Apithan Tipta, Mayor of Muang Yai Sub-district Municipality, brought another challenge in demanding rights. He said many people have suggested to follow the process. But even compensation for this year’s flooding is still unresolved. He emphasized the need for complete information sharing among everyone to find preventive measures collaboratively. He highlighted that while discussions about water management are ongoing, the unpredictable nature of flooding poses significant risks to local communities and agriculture.

  Khru Tee-Niwat Roykaew, the Chiang Khong Conservation Group chairman and director of the Mekong School: Institute of Local Knowledge stated that today marks the first time local leaders who are aware of the issues have come together to present these problems to higher authorities. During a recent meeting, he emphasized that the Prime Minister clearly articulated that the construction of hydropower dams should not proceed, as they are not a clean energy source. The prevailing belief among the government and energy investors that dams represent clean energy is outdated and harmful as they destroy everything – including lives.

  Mr.Kaeng Phathai Nachai, the village head of Ban Yai Nuea, Moo 2, Mueang Yai, is a representative of the villagers and farmers affected by the recent flooding of their pomelo orchards. He stated that the economic crops in the area are now dead, with many farmers cutting down their trees to make charcoal. Those that survive will not grow as before, leading to reduced yields. He expressed concern that many farmers are not receiving compensation without proper registration with agricultural authorities. He was concerned that if a dam is built in the future, their farmland may turn into a lake, forcing them to try to become fishermen instead of farmers.

The host of the forum stated that the damage caused is evident even without the Pak Beng Dam currently in place. After five to six years of growing pomelos and earning millions each year, everything has now been destroyed permanently. With the recent flooding occurring again after replanting, there is no money left to invest. He highlights the severity of the problem.

 Mr. Songob Inthep, a representative of civil society working with local villagers and youth on environmental issues and the cultural way of life in Wiang Kaen, invited the people of Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong, and Wiang Kaen to reflect on past flooding events, particularly the major floods in 1966, 1985, and 2011. He expressed concern that the Mekong River naturally flows continuously without barriers. And if a dam is built, flooding could worsen, causing significant distress to local communities. He criticized the greed of certain individuals behind the Pak Beng Dam project, highlighting that the benefits of electricity sales primarily enrich a few, while residents suffer the consequences. He urged collective action to oppose the dam and demand compensation for the damages incurred.

  Mr. Prayut Phothi, Kamnan-The Lead of Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province, shared his experiences regarding the impacts of the Mekong River flooding. He mentioned that he has lived by the river and has faced significant flooding, particularly in 2008 and this year, with agricultural losses exceeding 2,300 rai in Wiang Subdistrict, and with the government allocating over 41 million baht for damage control. He expressed concern about the construction of the Pak Beng Dam, which would further harm the environment and local tourism which has made income from Don MahaWan Beach of $6,000 per year per household. He was also concerned about changes to the natural flow of the river leading to the extinction of local fish species and a decline in the quality of water – which was once safe for consumption.

  Mr. Suwit Karahan, the chairman of the Boonruang wetland and the buffalo-raising group, expressed his happiness about the participation of many families from Wiang Kaen District in this forum. He highlighted the severe impacts of flooding, particularly in August 2024, which devastated 80% of the rice crops in Boonruang. He raised concerns about the potential damage if the Pak Beng Dam is constructed. He urged the media to convey the genuine struggles of the local people, emphasizing the need for thorough research before any projects are initiated. The community relies heavily on agriculture and tourism, which are now at risk due to rising water levels and environmental changes.

The host of the Forum event reminded the group that they had heard from actual flood victims from the Ing River. Before the final two speakers, he invited the audience to enjoy a live performance art presentation by a lecturer from Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, which offered a complex, multi-dimensional artistic experience.

  Prakairat Tandee, the village headman of Ban Tung Ngiew and vice president of the Chiang Khong Women’s Council, shared her concerns about the Tung Ngiew wetland forest which has been actively protecting nearly 600 rai of wetland near the Ing River from being developed into an industrial estate. She emphasized the importance of preserving this vital ecosystem. This seasonally flooded forest was at risk of being turned into a special economic zone by government agencies. However, through consultation with Kru Tee and his network, the village committee and villagers successfully fought to reclaim the forest as a conservation area. The forest is vital for the community, providing a habitat for aquatic animals, a water source, and a fish breeding ground. It also offers a variety of vegetables and bamboo shoots for families. The forest’s location next to the Ing River, a tributary of the Mekong River, makes it prone to natural seasonal flooding, which positively affects the community.

Prakairat emphasized the importance of the forest for creating jobs, supporting the broader environment and ecology, and sustaining ethnic groups and women. She highlighted the negative impact of dam construction, particularly the Pak Beng Dam, on the community’s livelihood. This impact will include reduced fish populations and vegetable varieties. She called for support from all sectors to oppose the construction of the Pak Beng Dam to protect the community’s resources and income.

Mr. Niran Kuna, the village headman of Ban Sob Kok, Chiang Saen, discussed the impact of flooding on his community due to uncoordinated water releases from China. He highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, including crop damage and loss of income. He also expressed concerns about the proposed Pak Beng Dam, emphasizing the potential for increased flooding and the lack of compensation for affected villagers. He called for better communication and coordination with local communities before proceeding with such projects and advocated for alternative energy solutions like solar power.

He discussed the border issues related to Chang Tai Island in the Mekong River. The island is used by villagers for farming and raising livestock. However, there are disputes with Laos over the island’s ownership, as Laos claims that wherever the Mekong River reaches, it belongs to them. This has led to conflicts, especially during floods when the Lao people move their livestock onto the island. The villagers of Ban Sob Kok have taken steps to assert their rights over the island, including planting the national flag and dividing the land among themselves. The headman emphasized the need for clear communication and resolution of border issues to prevent further conflicts.

  Mr. Han Narong Yaowalert, the representative of the experts in integrated water resource management, said that in a recent statement, a local leader proposed the cancellation of the Pak Beng Dam project due to its potential cross-border impacts. He emphasized that the power purchase agreement is burdensome, especially given the current surplus of electricity. He urged the government to either cancel or postpone the project until a thorough study of its impacts is conducted. The leader highlighted the need for clear communication and coordination to prevent further economic and environmental issues. He called for a united effort to send a strong signal to the government to reconsider the project.

  Khru Tee-Niwat Roykaew, the Chiang Khong Conservation Group chairman and director of the Mekong School: Institute of Local Knowledge, emphasized the need to stop the Pak Beng Dam project due to its illegitimacy and incomplete processes. He called for the cancellation or postponement of the dam’s construction until a new study on its impacts on fish passage, ecosystem, and boundaries of the Thai Sovereign Border is conducted. He urged the government to consider these points and thanked the network of villagers and supporters for their efforts.

  However, previously on October 25, 2024, Ms. Sayamol Kaiyurawong, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), along with Ms. Manirat Mitprasat and NHRC officials, visited Ban Huai Luk in Chiang Rai Province to discuss the Pak Beng Dam project in Laos. They listened to concerns about the dam’s potential transboundary impacts on the environment and communities.

The following day, at a public forum in Chiang Khong District, the NHRC emphasized its role in addressing environmental and human rights issues. They highlighted the importance of investigating the impacts of the Pak Beng Dam project on Thailand and called for a thorough study of these impacts before proceeding with the project. The NHRC is currently investigating the potential effects on community rights, the environment, and government energy policies.

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