(October 27, 1998) We realize that citizens of the industrialized world have been disillusioned by nuclear power and are successfully rejecting it, and that the industry is dying in most of those countries. It is this vanishing domestic market which has recently driven nuclear interests to step-up their sales pitch to Asian countries.
World Bank Report Says Pak Mun Villagers Complain Too Much
(September 17, 1998) Four years after the World Bank-financed Pak Mun dam in Thailand began operating, the World Bank has released a report admitting that compensation for lost fishing income and resettlement planning was poorly handled and inadequate. But the report, prepared by Warren Van Wicklin III of the World Bank’s operations evaluation department, also says that the people who were compensated complain too much.
Crisis, What Crisis?
(September 15, 1998) Not even the economic crisis sweeping Asia can shake the World Bank’s commitment to the Nam Theun 2 hydro dam in Lao PDR. The dam’s developers have no customers for the power and no commercial lenders willing to risk their capital on the US$1.3-billion venture.
Laos eager to build $1.2B dam
(September 10, 1998) Laos is determined to become the battery of Southeast Asia through its $1.2 billion Nam Theun II hydroelectric dam, the country’s largest development project.
The gas-fired threat to South East Asian hydro power
(August 31, 1998) Hydro power is in danger of being overtaken by gas-fired generation, because perceptions of its economic and social costs and benefits are skewed, argues Tim Sharp.
Power Company Off the Hook for Damaging Fisheries in Lao PDR Government or Foreign Aid Should Pay for Restoration, ADB Says
(July 28, 1998) The Lao government or foreign aid agencies should pay for restoring fisheries damaged by the Theun-Hinboun hydro dam, not the power company that owns and operates it, according to the project’s lead financier, the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Egat delays power purchase: Commissioning date for controversial Nam Thuen 2 postponed
(June 25, 1998) Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand will defer purchases of electricity from several multi-billion-dollar projects in Laos, citing the slowdown in Thailand’s power demand.
TFB defends takeover of ailing Phatra Thanakit
(June 23, 1998) THAI Farmers Bank President Banthoon Lamsam reiterated Monday that the acquisition of Phatra Thanakit Plc will benefit all parties involved as it will likely lessen the financial damage.
Viability of four export projects in question
(June 18, 1998) A host of problems including funding threaten the viability of four large power-generation projects in Laos. Thai energy officials are now sceptical that the projects, which would export a total of 1,956 megawatts, can proceed as planned. The projects have been promoted by joint ventures that include Thai companies.
Many work to save Mekong dolphins
(June 15, 1998) Once upon a time, a beautiful maiden forced by her parents to marry a slimy python leapt into the Mekong River. But her suicide bid failed. She was transformed into a dolphin. Only the aging still relate this legend, and only they remember the days when thousands of these creatures with a square, human-like face and perpetual smile plied Cambodia’s waters.
Thai NGOs call on Thai prime minister to reject electricity from Nam Theun 2
(June 15, 1998) Fourteen Thai non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called on Thailand’s Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai to reject consideration of Thailand’s purchase of electricity from the proposed Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectric Project, in a letter sent on 10 June 1998.
Big cracks stall Laos dam project
(June 14, 1998) The Australian construction firm, Transfield, is confronting a dilemma familiar to many companies operating in Asia: should it weather the current economic crisis, or get out. The "out" option must be looking highly preferable for Transfield as it views the massive dam project it is involved with in central Laos.
Canada grooms Nuke Kids in Asia
(May 28, 1998) Canada is spending millions of tax-dollars to influence Thai schoolchildren that nuclear power is good for the cash-strapped Southeast Asian country.
Egat delays power purchase, $230 million power plant to be fast tracked
(May 25, 1998) Energy shortages have forced the Government to fast-track the construction of $230 million 259MW Se San 3 Hydropower project in the south of the country.
Biggest hydro-electric plant cuts output
(May 23, 1998) HA NOI-Viet Nam’s biggest hydroelectric power plant at Hoa Binh has been forced to reduce its output because water levels in its feeder reservoir have fallen below the 80m dead water mark. This is the first time the Hoa Binh plant has had to cut its operations since it opened in 1988.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
Lisa Peryman
Probe Media
Other News Sources
Probe International 