“The MRC is imperfect, but it’s indispensable,” concluded Phan at the session. “It somewhat satisfies the needs of the countries with a spirit that the countries feel that they can honour. Other non-profit organisations promoting sustainable development along the river see shortcomings in the process. “Indeed, by the time prior consultation is initiated, experience shows that key decisions have already been made and project agreements concluded,” it said. As such, International River expressed concern over the Pak Bang dam and urged the relevant parties to suspend the project.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 13, 2016 18:07 UTC