MRC welcomes Laos’ decision following dam break

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has welcomed the Lao Government’s decision to review all existing and underway dams and suspend the consideration of all new hydropower projects following a recent dam break.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 17:14

MRC welcomes Laos’ decision following dam break ảnh 1

Relief is delivered to victims of the Sepien-Senamnoi dam break (Photo: VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) – The Mekong River Commission(MRC) has welcomed the Lao Government’s decision to review all existing andunderway dams and suspend the consideration of all new hydropower projectsfollowing a recent dam break.

In its announcement on August 15, the MRC saidit wholeheartedly welcomed the decision and initiative of the Lao PrimeMinister to review all the dams and suspend all new hydropower projects.

It will join hands with Laos to review and updateits hydropower strategy and plan based on the MRC’s basin development strategyand plan and the on-going state of the basin report for a more sustainableMekong region, the commission added.

A dam of the Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower plant inAttapeu province of Laos broke on July 23, affecting 13 villages in Sanamxaydistrict with six completely flooded.

As of August 14, 39 people had died while 97other remained unaccounted for in this incident, statistics of Laos showed.–VNA

VNA

#Mekong River Commission #MRC #Lao Government #hydropower projects in Laos #Mekong region #Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower plant #Attapeu province #updated Vietnam news #Vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency Laos

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Economic issues top Thailand’s public wish list: KPI poll

16/02/2026 00:09

Economic issues were identified by 38% of respondents as the top priority for the new administration, ahead of social problems at 32.3% and political issues at 29.7%.

Malaysia seizes over three tonnes of synthetic drugs

15/02/2026 22:11

Preliminary investigations indicate the syndicate had been operating for several years, using sea routes across the East Sea as its main transport channel. The drugs were allegedly stored in containers at logistics facilities before being distributed to international markets.

Philippines deploys advanced naval vessels to "Balikatan" exercise with US

15/02/2026 06:30

Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said that (guided-missile) frigates, the Rizal and Malvar classes, landing docks and fast interdiction craft-missile will be participating in this annual exercise, scheduled April to May.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivers a speech during the inauguration and groundbreaking of 1,179 police-run MBG kitchens and 18 police food security warehouses in Palmerah, West Jakarta, on February 13, 2026. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia strengthens national logistics to support nutrition programme

15/02/2026 05:38

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto noted that the MBG programme is designed not only to improve children’s nutrition and health but also to drive economic growth by creating opportunities for farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and low-income groups.

Malaysia's economy grows 5.2% year on year in 2025

15/02/2026 01:14

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said in a statement that for the fourth quarter of 2025, Malaysia's economy advanced by 6.3%, driven mainly by domestic demand.

Malaysian ringgit expected to continue appreciating in 2026

14/02/2026 07:43

The ringgit climbed to a fresh high of 3.8995 against the US dollar on February 12, hovering near its strongest level in almost eight years.

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian delivers a statement to the press in Jakarta on February 11, 2026. (Photo: ANTARA/Fianda Sjofjan Rassat/aa)

Indonesia: Nearly 70% of flood-hit districts, cities in Sumatra recovered

14/02/2026 06:25

Post-disaster recovery in flood- and landslide-hit regions across Sumatra, Indonesia is nearly 70% complete, with 37 of the 52 affected districts and cities having returned to normalcy, Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian said in a statement.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah says the legislation provides a dedicated legal framework to enable the complex, cross-border operations of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia–Singapore move closer to operating 5-minute cross-border rail service

14/02/2026 04:22

The move is seen as a strategic solution to ease congestion at the Johor–Singapore Causeway while strengthening bilateral economic connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) promotes Thai culture and travel experiences at The Gypsy Travel Festival (TGTF) 2026 in Mumbai. (Photo: thailand.prd.go.th)

TAT showcases Thai culture at Mumbai travel festival

14/02/2026 03:35

The effort was led by the TAT Mumbai Office and the ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific Market Division, under the direction of TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, with support from Consul-General Donnawit Poolsawat and senior TAT executives. The festival was held last week at Jio World Drive and attracted a large audience from a high-spending travel segment.

Immigration authorities introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which has been in use since May 1, 2025. (Source: thailand.prd.go.th)

Thai cabinet acknowledges visa measures to boost tourism, economy

13/02/2026 22:27

Implemented short-term measures include designating 93 countries and territories eligible for a special visa exemption, allowing stays of up to 60 days for tourism, short-term work, or business.

Thailand: Bhumjaithai Party forms alliance with Pheu Thai

13/02/2026 20:26

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that both parties share confidence in the capacity and experience of their personnel to steer Thailand towards long-term stability and sustainable development, adding that they had agreed to put aside past misunderstandings and differences in the national interest.

Farmers harvest rice in Central Java province, Indonesia. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia rolls out rice support package for over 35 million households

13/02/2026 16:19

The rice assistance policy is part of the Indonesian government’s stimulus package aimed at bolstering economic growth in the first quarter.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was reached during the National Cyber Security Committee meeting today, which he chaired to strengthen the nation’s preparedness in facing increasingly complex cyber threats. (Photo courtesy of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim FB page)

Malaysia unveils new cybercrime bill to regulate AI and deepfakes

13/02/2026 15:18

Malaysia plans to introduce a new Cybercrime Bill to address increasingly complex digital threats, including the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology.

Malaysia seizes a record of nearly 20 million USD worth of methamphetamine (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia busts largest-ever maritime drug trafficking ring

13/02/2026 14:22

According to the MMEA, the operation took place on February 11 in waters off Pahang state, about 107 nautical miles northeast of Kuantan. Officers inspected the Thailand-flagged oil tanker Kamal Bangkok and discovered 76 sacks of methamphetamine that had been carefully concealed.

Laos moves to promotes sustainable coffee, tea farming

13/02/2026 06:01

The coffee sector plays a vital role in Laos' socio-economic development. More than 80 domestic and foreign companies are currently investing in coffee production, processing and export, generating over 100 million USD in annual export value.

Department of National Defence (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (left) and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya (right), during the “ceremonial turnover” of five coastal surveillance radar systems to the country’s defence establishment on February 11. (Photo courtesy of the DND)

Japan hands over coastal surveillance radar to the Philippines

13/02/2026 04:32

The equipment was provided under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. The deal was finalised during the November 2023 visit to Manila by then Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, when the two sides exchanged notes for 600 million JPY (nearly 4 million USD) in OSA funding for the provision of coastal radar systems to the Philippine Navy.

Two Mahakam dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are seen swimming. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia takes emergency solutions to save Mahakam dolphins

13/02/2026 03:32

Based on the latest data as of early February, only 66 of these endemic Mahakam River mammals are estimated to remain in the wild. This situation has prompted Indonesian authorities to take concrete and decisive actions to prevent the species from slipping into extinction.