The group statement said the Myanmar government should abandon all dam projects on the Salween and pursue sincere peace talks in the region. It said the Hat Gyi Dam would destroy the environment, harm people’s livelihoods and threaten regional peace, and urged people to campaign for power generated by environmentally friendly technologies. The Bt100-billion dam has been commissioned by the Energy Generating Authority of Thailand International (EGATi), China’s Sinohydro Corp, Myanmar’s Ministry of Electric Power and the International Group of Entrepreneurs. The Hat Gyi Dam is expected to produce 1,360 megawatts of electricity, 90 per cent of which will be relayed to Thailand. Critics have said construction of the dam has caused a humanitarian crisis in Karen state, that stems from conflict and an inability to deliver much-needed aid.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 21, 2016 18:04 UTC