Pak Beng Dam, Mekong River Governance, and Thailand’s Electricity Needs?

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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 of 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? on November 1, 12.30-3.00 pm at SEA-Junction, BACC’s building (4th Floor).