U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is calling on Laos to investigate the disappearance of a prominent social activist and reunite him with his family. Human rights groups say Sombath Somphone, a campaigner for a sustainable development in Laos, was detained in the capital Vientiane a month ago and that he is in government custody. […]
Clinton Urges Laos to Investigate Activist’s Disappearance
Posted January 16th, 2013 at 5:35 pm (UTC-5)
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Laos Gov’t Denies Role in Disappearance of Activist
Posted December 20th, 2012 at 3:15 am (UTC-5)
The government of Laos is denying responsibility for the disappearance of a prominent social activist, but human rights groups disagree, saying security camera footage suggests he was detained by Lao authorities. Sombath Somphone was last seen Saturday in the capital of Vientiane, when his jeep was stopped by authorities outside a police post. Video footage […]
Laos Gov’t Denies Role in Disappearance of Activist
Posted December 20th, 2012 at 2:55 am (UTC-5)
The government of Laos is denying responsibility for the disappearance of a prominent social activist, but human rights groups disagree, saying security camera footage suggests he was detained by Lao authorities. Sombath Somphone was last seen Saturday in the capital of Vientiane, when his jeep was stopped by authorities outside a police post. Video footage […]
Laos Gives Go-Ahead to Build Controversial Dam
Posted November 6th, 2012 at 12:10 am (UTC-5)
The United States says it is concerned at Laos’ plan to start building a controversial dam that has raised environmental concerns from neighboring countries. The State Department said in a statement Monday that the impact of the $3.5 billion Xayaburi hydroelectric dam on the Mekong River area is “still unknown.” Laos, one of Asia’s poorest […]
Laos Gives Go Ahead To Build Controversial Dam
Posted November 5th, 2012 at 5:40 pm (UTC-5)
Laos says it will start construction of a controversial dam, despite opposition from neighboring countries. Deputy Energy Minister Viraphonh Viravong says the groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Wednesday. The Xayaburi hydroelectric dam project on the Mekong River is expected to cost at least $3.5 billion. It is backed by a Thai company, with Thailand […]
Thai Company Says Work on Disputed Dam Has Started
Posted April 19th, 2012 at 4:30 am (UTC-5)
A Thai company may have already begun construction on a controversial hydroelectric dam on the Lower Mekong River, despite regional calls for further research into its impact on the environment. On its website Tuesday, the CH. Karnchang development group says it has notified the Thai Stock Exchange that construction on the $3.5 billion Xayaburi Dam […]
Southeast Asia Commission Postpones Decision on Mekong Dam
Posted December 8th, 2011 at 7:35 am (UTC-5)
Government ministers from four Southeast Asian countries on Thursday decided to postpone a decision on whether to endorse the construction of a controversial hydroelectric dam on the Lower Mekong River in Laos. The Mekong River Commission said after meeting Thursday in Cambodia that further study was needed to assess the “sustainable development and management” of […]
Thailand, Laos Open New Friendship Bridge
Posted November 11th, 2011 at 6:35 am (UTC-5)
Thailand and Laos officially opened a new bridge across the Mekong River Friday as part of a regional highway project. The 1.4-kilometer crossing links Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom with Khammouan in Laos. It provides the shortest route for Lao exporters to truck goods to Vietnam’s central seaports. It is the third “friendship bridge” […]
Environmental Group Blasts Study on Mekong Dam Project
Posted November 9th, 2011 at 4:40 am (UTC-5)
An U.S. environmental group is denouncing a report commissioned by Laos that recommends going ahead with a proposed hydroelectric dam on the Mekong River. The group, International Rivers, says the study by a Swiss-based company (Poyry Energy AG) represents “a desperate bid” by Laos to gain approval for the multi-million dollar Xayaburi Dam from neighboring […]
ADB Announces Funding for Laos Dam
Posted November 3rd, 2011 at 3:35 am (UTC-5)
The Asian Development Bank has announced more than $450 million in financial backing for a hydro-electric project in Laos. The bank said Thursday the project will generate more than $770 million of revenue for the impoverished country, of which more than $200 million will be earmarked for poverty reduction and environmental protection programs. The 220-meter-high […]
