Mekong River fluctuations may affect next year’s dry season

webfact · November 19, 2020

Mekong River fluctuations may affect next year’s dry season

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai authorities have predicted the water level in the Mekong River to be around its average level in next year’s dry season. The water management agency is now keeping an eye on fluctuations of water levels that may affect villagers and farmers.

Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has ordered the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) to closely monitor the situation in the Mekong River, and to coordinate with other countries the river passes through, to ensure mutual benefits from this international river.

The Thai National Mekong Committee now expects the water level in the Mekong River this dry season to be around the average level at all measuring stations. They are however, concerned about fluctuations in the water level.

The committee has ordered the ONWR to report the situation to related agencies, and notify provinces of potential disasters.

The committee has also approved the agenda for the 27th Meeting of the Mekong River Commission Council with Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam on 26th November.

At the meeting, the committee is to present a 10-year strategy for Mekong River subregion development, and the 5-year strategy of the Mekong river committee.

Topics such as environmental asset management, a water transport masterplan and renovation of water transport facilities for navigation safety will be discussed at the meeting.

The committee will also be discussing with Laos the issue of the Sanakham and Phung Ngoi hydropower projects, where concerns have been raised concerning the projects’ potential consequences for Thailand.

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