Beijing wants this part of the Mekong 'made smoother' by blasting the islets and outcroppings to smithereens. (Bangkok Post file photo)A network of environmentalists is getting ready to protest against a Chinese government survey of the Khon Pi Long rapids in Chiang Rai. The Chinese team on Tuesday began its 50-day study of the rapids, which lie along the Mekong River. At the time, 20 networks tasked with protecting the Mekong River issued a statement to try and stop the project. Other critics say the survey may threaten Thailand's territorial claims to certain areas on the Laos border based on deepwater channels agreed under a French treaty.

Source: Bangkok Post April 18, 2017 21:56 UTC