Embankments built on the Lao side of the Mekong River have allegedly caused soil erosion in Thailand, officials say.
The Chinese government has built a 6km embankment on land it has rented from Laos to develop a casino and entertainment complex opposite Chiang Rai's Chiang Saen district, local public works officials said.
Chiang Saen residents have complained that about 3km of river banks and nearby land have started to erode since the Chinese built the structure about three to four months ago.
The soil erosion is particularly severe during the rainy season when the river flows faster and its level rises.
The local public works authorities recently assessed the extent of the erosion and discovered that several rai of land on the Thai side of the Mekong had been swept away.
They said the concrete embankment in Laos has caused the problem by diverting the Mekong's current onto the Thai river bank.
The authorities also said the embankment's construction breached a regional agreement on utilising the Mekong that prohibits any country from building a construction that protrudes into, or traverses, the river.
Their findings have been forwarded to the Interior Ministry's Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning.
The agency was considering lodging an objection with its Laos counterpart and may request the latter to demolish the embankment.
Chiang Saen district office chief Sermsak Sisan said the local administration has held informal talks with Laos over the problem of soil erosion in Thailand. Laos listened to the comments with an open mind, he said.
The next step was to jointly prove whether the Lao embankment was the cause of the erosion or not, he said.
Fang khuamthai fai mai laokhao, we already had problems with thai authorities about building embankment in front of lanexang hotel, see the problem they are creating with their neighboring countries, they are making ennemies everywhere.
Between Thailand and Laos, Thailand has more chance to build the embankment throughout the river banks in term of the budget. and if Thailand did that Laos is gonna be in big trouble as you can see on the map most of the Mekong river run concave in to Laos more than Thailand.
If the talking doesn't work. Yes, I think Thailand should build the embankment on our side too. We shouldn't care if it gonna make erosion on Laos side or not just care about our side. If that's what you want.
I THINK IT IS GOOD NEWS FOR OUR COUNTRY ,I WANT THEY BUILT ALL THE WAY DOW TO SOUTH ,WILL BE GOOD
I can see your bad intention there. Be careful what you wishfor especially if you dont have the capacity to do that. What if Thailand decided to do that instead. Then Laos will be in big trouble not only with soil erosion at the riverbank but floodings not only in the streets but inside your homes as well. This issue requires collaboration and cooperation on both sides.
