MPs urge Govt to review stance on Xayaburi Dam

Eighteen members of parliament led by Kasit Piromya submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, urging the government to review its stance on the controversial dam project in Laos.

Kasit said that the government should realise that any binding agreement which may harm economic and social stability requires parliamentary approval under the Constitution. He said that a working committee is preparing to ask the Constitutional Court, if this issue demands the court’s review.

In October 2011, upon the Thai government’s approval, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand signed the power purchase agreement for the supply of 95 per cent from the 1,285 megawatt hydropower plant.

The dam construction, undertaken by Ch Karnchang’s subsidiary, has been under heavy criticisms by villagers and non-profit organisations for possible damage to the environment in the mekong River basin.