Thailand: Mekong water level drops

The water level of the Mekong river in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand’s northeastern province bordering Laos, is dropping by 10-20 cm a day, according to local media.
Bangkok (VNA) - The water level of the Mekong river in NakhonPhanom, Thailand’s northeastern province bordering Laos, is dropping by 10-20cm a day, according to local media.

The water level is currently about 1.50 metres, about 11 metres below the topof the river bank, the Bangkok Post reported.

The Mekong river’s tributaries, including Nam Oun, Nam Songkhram and Nam Kamstreams, are also running out of water. Water levels in major reservoirs in theprovince's 12 districts have also dropped to only 10-20 percent of theirholding capacities, affecting rice crops that are currently close to beingharvested.

Due to the low water level, a large rock on which a Buddha footprint isengraved is visible in the middle of the river.

The rock with the Buddha footprint in Woen Phra Bat village of Tha Uthendistrict, believed to be more than 2,000 years old and highly revered by peopleon both sides of the river, can usually be seen only in the dry season betweenMarch and April.

Local people said this is the most unnatural phenomonon in 50 years.

In late July this year, the water level of the Mekong river in Nakhon Phanomdropped to the lowest level in almost 100 years, exhibiting the rock with theBuddha footprint./.
VNA

See more

Cambodian PM Hun Manet (Photo: AFP)

Cambodian PM urges police to crack down on all forms of crimes

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 80th founding anniversary of the National Police held in southern Kandal province, Hun Manet praised the countless achievements of the police forces, saying that police officers are the good guardians of the nation and people.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (R) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a joint press conference in Jakarta (Photo: AFP)

Indonesia, Australia strengthen defence collaboration

Indonesia is committed to finalising the ratification process of the defence cooperation agreement that was agreed upon last year, and continuing discussions on ways to improve and enhance collaboration in this area, said Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaffirms continued contributions to UNGA President’s Office

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang called on the UNGA President candidate to promote the issues of Vietnam’s concern during her tenure, including the upholding of and respect for international law and the UN Charter, and ensuring a transparent UN reform process with the full participation of all member states.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand outlines strategy for trade talks with US

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira detailed the strategy, which includes restructuring the agricultural processing sector to address domestic supply shortages and identify areas where US imports can complement Thailand's production chains.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra meets with fruit traders at Government House. (Photo: Thai Government House)

Thai PM announces comprehensive support plan for fruit farmers

The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.

Medicines for malaria treatment (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia builds AI model for malaria diagnosis

The National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to support malaria diagnosis, toward warding off the disease by 2030.