Major flooding in northern Thailand has sparked renewed scrutiny of the Pak Beng Dam project in Laos. Local farmers and activists fear the dam could worsen seasonal flooding by raising water levels in the Mekong River, threatening livelihoods along tributaries in Thailand. The project, which secured a power purchase agreement with Thailand’s electricity authority in 2023, continues to face opposition over environmental and cross-border concerns.

At a recent forum in Chiang Rai, residents and experts called for a reconsideration of support for the dam, citing the potential for more devastating floods. The forum highlighted the need for better environmental impact assessments and transboundary cooperation before moving forward with the controversial hydropower project.

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