----- Original Message -----
From: FER
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2006 12:15 PM
Subject: Study on Environmental Impacts of Reef Blastings on Mekong River
Hastily Done by China

Laos Today: Study on Environmental Impacts of Reef Blastings on Mekong River
Hastily Done by China
By Songrit PhonNgern
Voice of America. 17/03/2006
http://www.voanews.com/lao/2006-03-17-voa2.cfm

Laos Today, 631 KB
Listen to Laos Today, 631 KB

Thailand says the studies that China has done on the environmental impacts
of reef blastings in the Mekong river were not up to international
standards, with the emphasis on trade benefits that China will receive more
than environmental concerns.

A Thai senator says the studies which were paid for by China, were hastily
done and lasted only one year. Reef blastings have rendered the Mekong
navigable all year round since 2004 for cargo boats weighing up to 500 tons,
transporting merchandises from China down to the Golden Triangle, where
Thailand, Laos, and Burma share borders.

As a result, river trade between the four nations have increased to over one
billion dollars. 85% of that amount is trade between China and Thailand,
while Burma and Laos enjoy a 15% share.

Listen to our Laos Today report for further details.

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