Page 65 - NRCT annual report 2019

In the past, the Lao PDR has proposed a total of 11 projects to develop
hydro-electricity on the main Mekong River to prepare for the economic expansion in Asia.
The implementation of such project has been very much in the interest of the people
and civil society, especially the 8 Thai provinces with land areas bordering the Mekong,
consisting of Nong Khai, Bung Kan, Nakon Panom, Mukdahan, Ubon Rachathani, Amnat
Charoen, Loei and Chiang Rai.
The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has taken the responsibility as the
Thai National Mekong Committee Secretariat: TNMCS and has implemented the Luang
Prabang Hydro-power Dam according to the work plan, both in the regional and national
levels. At the regional level, the technical aspect of the project is considered and the
voices and concerns of the stakeholders in the region is taken in. At the national level,
a stage for listening to stakeholders is also arranged to hear their concerns. The Thai
position to the project is then conveyed to Lao PDR through the mechanism of the
Mekong River Commission : MRC.
Although this process is under the PNPCA regulations, it does not, however, have
any effect on the approval or non-approval of the project, nor on the order to halt the
project. This is considered an important mechanism in support of the cooperation of
the Mekong member countries, which will lead to the prevention and mitigation of the
adverse effects, while maintaining the ecological balance in the future.

Offif ice of the National Water Resources 63