Samak to push for Mekong water diversion plan
by Anucha Charoenpo Bangkok Post 26 May 2008
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday he would go ahead with his planned project to divert water from the Mekong river to feed the water-starved northeastern region.
Water from the Mekong river in Chiang Khan district of Loei province would first be diverted for storing at Ubolratana Dam in Khon Kaen for agricultural use. The two provinces are 80 kilometres apart.
The prime minister floated his ambitious plan on his Sunday TV programme on NBT, formerly Channel 11, without giving any details.
Thailand and Laos have signed agreements to construct three dams on the Mekong river, which passes Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai and Loei.
He said once completed, the three dams would help retain water in the Mekong river, enabling Thai and Lao villagers who live on both sides of the river to have sufficient water for the whole year.
Mr Samak said he was struck with the idea of diverting water from the Nam Ngum river in Laos via tunnels under the river to feed Thailand's northeastern people. He believes the project is feasible because the Lao river is located on a higher ground than Thailand's northeastern region. |
