(April 16, 1999) At a recent symposium on the ‘Comprehensive Development of the Greater Mekong Subregion’ here, representatives mostly from the private sector, government and regional funding agencies complained that the Asian economic crisis had further put off chances of rapid growth for the Mekong Basin.

(April 1, 1999) More than 5,000 villagers have set up camp at the Pak Mun Dam site on the Mun River in Thailand and are demanding compensation from the Thai government and the World Bank for their losses due to development projects. The eight groups of villagers have been affected by various development projects, including six dams which have depleted fisheries, in northeast Thailand.

(March 26, 1999) Eight villager groups affected by various development projects have united in struggle at the Pak Mun dam site in Thailand.

(March 25, 1999) MORE than 3,000 villagers, who have been affected by the Pak Mool Dam project in Ubon Ratchathani, have gathered at the dam site demanding compensation for a permanent loss of their occupation — freshwater fishing.

(January 22, 1999) A (USDollar) 1.2 billion hydropower project seen as crucial for one of Asia’s poorest countries cleared a major hurdle yesterday when affected communities in Laos supported a resettlement plan.

(December 21, 1998) A Thai dam builder has asked tribal Shan rebels in the Golden Triangle war zone if it can build a hydroelectric barrage across the Salween River. The Shan States Army has already given the developer, MDX, permission to survey the area, Shan sources say.

(November 29, 1998) ENERGY: With increasingly successful alternatives, has the promise of nuclear power run out of steam?

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.