(May 1, 1998) THE Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has decided to postpone power purchases from Laos’ six major power projects with a combined capacity of 2,963 megawatts by at least one year from the original schedule of 2006.  This follows a significant downward revision of Thailand’s power demand projections.

(May 1, 1998) Governor Kongsak Liewmanorom yesterday opposed the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant in the province and called for a public hearing before any decision is made.

(April 8, 1998) One of the most powerful and enigmatic leaders in Laos has been removed from the head of the country’s biggest firm.  After building up the military development firm Bolisat Phakhana Khet Phoudoi, General Cheng Sayavong is now directing the National Tourism Authority as it gears up for Visit Laos Year 1999.

(April 6, 1998) Thailand’s economic crisis is raising questions over the energy exporting hopes of neighbouring Laos  As two giant turbines begin to roar in the middle of the jungle, Laos is starting to become the "battery of Asia." Last week the $280m Theun-Hinboun dam began producing electricity for neighbouring Thailand, the first of what Laos hopes to be as many as 21 dams spanning this poor landlocked country.

(April 4, 1998) A report yesterday by the US-based International Rivers Network warns that thousands of villages are being affected by the dam but are unlikely to be compensated.