A U.S.-funded project using satellites to track and publish water levels at Chinese dams on the Mekong river was announced on Monday, adding to the superpowers’ rivalry in Southeast Asia.
Posted inOpinion / Myanmar
Visions toward a federal land governance system in Myanmar
Development and large-scale investment projects such as China’s BRI are not waiting for a national land law to be finalized and adopted, but instead are using the current uncertain political situation and pro-business laws.
Posted inVietnam
Southeast Asia braces for trash dump as China enacts waste import ban
On January 1, China will no longer be accepting waste from other countries, with Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia likely to feel the brunt of the new policy.
Posted inThailand
Thai govt threatens to veto new Lao dam
“Iff we come to conclude that construction will have a damaging effect on the environment in Thailand, we will exercise our right as a member of the Mekong River Commission to stop the project.”
Posted inThailand
Waste-to-energy projects see official support, villager resistance
Government enthusiasm is tempered by fierce opposition from some villagers who complain the construction sites of some WTE projects are too close to communities and water sources.
Posted inOpinion / Opinion
Amid hazy skies, need for reform is clear
We thought we could push the government to act on an arguably life-or-death issue. But we were fighting against a mammoth organisation with the inertia factor of a large glacier.
Posted inLaos
Laos’ Rights Record Marred by Arbitrary Arrests, Forced Disappearances and Harsh Treatment in Custody
Houayheuang Xayabouly was arrested for a Facebook video about the lackluster response to severe flooding in the country and sentenced to five years in jail for attempting to overthrow the party.
Posted inMyanmar
US Sanctions Chinese Gangster Behind SEZ in Myanmar’s Karen State
Wan branded the SEZ project as a part of Xi Jinping’s BRI initiative. United States Institute of Peace says the project is designed to provide a new home for Chinese businesses being forced out of Cambodia due to a joint crackdown.
Posted inCambodia
Preah Vihear park dwellers receive land to relocate
In some areas of Preah Vihear province, the authorities seized land and ordered people to leave. In the end, the land where the people had lived fell into the hands of powerful people and the private sector.