Một ủy ban của Quốc hội Thái Lan yêu cầu chính phủ ngăn ý định xây đập thủy điện của Lào

House panel demands govt block Laos dam proposal

Bangkok Post

Published: 22/04/2011

The government should ask Laos to scrap its controversial Xayaburi dam project on the Mekong River, says a house committee.

The committee on political development, mass communications and public participation said the government should explain the project to the public. However, members also want the government to ask Laos to abandon the idea, said Democrat MP for Bangkok Boonyod Sukthinthai, the panel's secretary.

Boonyod: Power deal needs scrutiny

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is likely to buy 95% of the dam's output.

The government should bring the proposed power purchase contract to parliament so MPs could examine it, he said.

Section 190 of the constitution requires that any crucial binding international treaty must be endorsed by parliament.

The panel would investigate state-run Krung Thai Bank over its role in granting a loan to Ch Karnchang, the contractor, Mr Boonyod said.

Watchara Phethong, another Democrat MP for Bangkok and spokesman for the house panel, said the committee unanimously opposed the dam project, which it believes would adversely affect riverside residents and the environment.

The panel's stance comes amid rising opposition against the dam project by environmental groups.

They fear that building a dam in the lower Mekong would trap vital nutrients, increase algae growth and prevent dozens of species of migratory fish _ including the giant catfish _ swimming upstream to spawning grounds.

 

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/233119/house-panel-demands-govt-block-laos-dam-proposal