EVENT: Dialogue Forum 2 I Year 5: Pak Beng Dam, Mekong River Governance, and Thailand’s Electricity Needs?

A policy forum on development and environmental challenges and policies to “bridge the gap” and “connect the dots” to create one big picture for better understanding and decision-making in the society

In times when society has widened with gaps and differences of views and opinions, one issue could escalate into a crisis if there are no platforms available for appropriate discussion among all concerned.

The media, while informing and inspiring their audience, could also educate and facilitate the public by providing platforms to help “bridge the gap” and “connect the dots” to create the big picture for better understanding in society.

Realising such critical roles, Bangkok Tribune, in collaboration with its partners and with the support of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Thailand Office (KAS Thailand), comes up with a regular policy forum on critical development and environmental issues under the project, Dialogue Forum.

This is to facilitate and provide a space for discussions and exchanges of dialogues and views on development and environmental issues up to the policy level both in Thailand and the Mekong region. It not only bridges the gap but also connects the dots, helping forge better understanding among the parties concerned and the public at large as well as facilitating them to make a better decision about the issues or even find common ground or seek solutions together.

Despite opposition from civil society and academics concerned, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for three hydropower dam projects planned on the Lower Mekong section consecutively, after the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) endorsed it at once to proceed with the agreements with project developers in mid-year 2022, including the Pak Beng Dam project that is expected to have the greatest impact on Thailand.

The signing of the agreements to purchase electricity from the dam projects brings into question possible impacts on the Mekong ecosystems, people’s livelihoods, as well as the countries’ borderline and territories, especially in the case of Pak Beng Dam, which is planned just less than 100 km away from the Thai-Lao border.

In addition, the signing of the agreements also raises a question about its worthiness as the country’s electricity reserve is far exceeding what actually needed, or almost up to 20,000 MW spared in the system.

These issues bring up questions about the Mekong River governance as we as management of the country’s electrical energy, especially in regard to cross-border investment in hydroelectric power development projects, which is still questionable by many parties involved and no resolution has been found until now.

The Dialogue Forum would cordially like to invite you to take this opportunity to explore this challenge together at Dialogue Forum 2 l Year 5: Pak Beng Dam, Mekong River Governance, and Thailand’s Electricity Needs? (in Thai) on November 1, 12.30-3.00 pm at SEA-Junction, 4th Floor, BACC.

Objectives

• To produce critical and constructive content and policy recommendations that are of the public interest in order to raise public awareness and boost public knowledge and understanding as well as inspiration_all to mobilise desirable “social forces” that can help address issues of importance in the society and sustain a free and fair society (Inform & Inspire)
• To create a space and body of in-depth knowledge as well as an innovative media platform (Dialogue Forum) that is independent and in-depth for the public (Indie & In-depth)
• To empower the public to be able to keep up with developments as well as repercussions in the society, and level up meaningful conversations and discussions for better understanding among the public here and abroad (Empowering)
• To promote public participation in problem-solving and decision-making processes (Inclusive & Participatory)
• To promote the development of innovative and constructive media so that it can remain open and accessible to all (Open & Accessible)

Organised by

• Bangkok Tribune Online News Agency
• Decode.plus, Thai PBS
• The Thai Society of Environmental Journalists (Thai SEJ)
• SEA-Junction

Supported by

• Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Thailand Office (KAS Thailand)

Contact

Piyaporn Wong l Bangkok Tribune: 089 920 8027/ [email protected]/ FB Messenger: Bangkok Tribune News

Please confirm in advance for a seat at the forum@ https://forms.gle/D91sSKfMAewM7Ehs5

Hygienic hand-cleaning and other related measures are encouraged throughout the event.

***You can also watch the event live via FB Live@ FB Page: Bangkok Tribune News, Decode.plus, Thai SEJ (ชมรมนักข่าวสิ่งแวดล้อม), and  SEA-Junction.