Activists already have urged the government to reject Chinese plans to blow up Mekong rapids and islets so that Chinese ships can traverse the river. "Thailand is likely to reap less benefits compared with China in terms of trade value. Chavalit Vidthayanon, a former freshwater specialist of the Mekong River Commission, said blasting the rapids will destroy freshwater fish populations, especially the Don Phew Long rapids in Chiang Rai province where giant catfish lay eggs. It is one of five freshwater fish under threat of extinction in the Mekong River. The cabinet last month approved a Marine Department's proposal to clear the rapids and beaches to ease passage for 500 gross-tonne vessels under a development plan for the Mekong River.

Source: Bangkok Post January 17, 2017 21:54 UTC