The Mekong River is essential to the livelihoods of more than 260 million people in China and Southeast Asia and supports plentiful and varied ecosystems. However, Southeast Asia’s decades long period of economic growth has increased the demand on water and energy resources in the region. This has put the Mekong River on the spot as a primary water and hydropower source in the region. Consequent construction of dams and other interventions in the river’s ecosystem has led to physical changes in the Mekong River Basin over the last five to ten years. These Interventions in the river system has raised various concerns for policy makers and environmental conservationists alike. However, there is little agreement among experts and policy makers on the primary causes of these changes and the transboundary nature of the Mekong River complicates the search for sustainable solutions. This report aims to shed light on the impact of the changing Mekong River on Thailand and the intricate causes for its change through interviews with experts and locals in affected areas. Based on this analysis the report further makes recommendations for ways forward that ensure the inclusive and sustainable development of the Mekong River basin.

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Trends in Social and Environmental Responsibility: The
Challenges of Transboundary River Management in the Mekong
River Basin
Yuwadee Kardkarnklai1
, Yannik Mieruch2
and Kritapak Prommanuwat3
Abstract: The Mekong River is essential to the livelihoods of more than 260 million people in
China and Southeast Asia and supports plentiful and varied ecosystems. However, Southeast
Asia’s decades long period of economic growth has increased the demand on water and energy
resources in the region. This has put the Mekong River on the spot as a primary water and
hydropower source in the region. Consequent construction of dams and other interventions in
the river’s ecosystem has led to physical changes in the Mekong River Basin over the last five
to ten years. These Interventions in the river system has raised various concerns for policy
makers and environmental conservationists alike. However, there is little agreement among
experts and policy makers on the primary causes of these changes and the transboundary nature
of the Mekong River complicates the search for sustainable solutions. This report aims to shed
light on the impact of the changing Mekong River on Thailand and the intricate causes for its
change through interviews with experts and locals in affected areas. Based on this analysis the
report further makes recommendations for ways forward that ensure the inclusive and
sustainable development of the Mekong River basin.
Introduction
As one of the largest rivers in Asia the Mekong is a vital resource to the people of China,
Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Originating in the Himalayas the almost
5000 kilometres long river is crucial to the lives of more than 260 million people (Sithirith,
2021, p. 2). The Mekong further supports a wide range of flora and fauna with a high
biodiversity and provides a host of natural resources such as gold and precious metals, and
opportunity for hydropower generation and other economic use such as transportation
(Kasetsiri & Khamkhun, 2006). However, these different economic, social, and environmental
demands on the river can create opposing interests and lead to conflict. Furthermore, the
Transboundary nature of the Mekong creates complicates the management of the river’s
resources.
While the Mekong was considered one of the least regulated rivers years, economic
development of the countries through which it flows has led to increasing use of the river for
economic purposes over the last decade (Hecht, Lacombe, Arias, Dang, & Piman, 2019).
Countries in the region have invested in infrastructure construction, including building dams
to generate electricity and engineering work to modify water routes for more convenient and
safer transportation of goods. These changes have impacted the river and consequently the
livelihoods of people along its banks and the ecosystems that it supports (Hecht et al., 2019;
Shrestha, Maskey, Babel, van Griensven, & Uhlenbrook, 2018; Sridhar, Kang, & Ali, 2019;
1
Vice president at Klangpanya Institute (The Non-Government Think Tank for National Strategies), Thailand.
Email: yuwadee84@gmail.com
2
Visiting researcher at Klangpanya Institute (The Non-Government Think Tank for National Strategies),
Thailand. Email: yannik.mieruch@gmail.com
3
Research assistant at Klangpanya Institute (The Non-Government Think Tank for National Strategies), Thailand.
Email: kritapak.prom@gmail.com

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Yong, 2020). Dam construction in particular has been a contentious issue between the countries
of the Mekong basin, local environmental NGOs, and local populations (Wei et al., 2021).
However, research shows that other issues such as climate change, land-use changes, and other
economic ventures have equal share in the changes of the Mekong River (Evers & Pathirana,
2018; Shrestha et al., 2018; Sridhar et al., 2019).
The transboundary nature of the river complicates effective, equitable, and sustainable
management of water resources (Zeitoun, Goulden, & Tickner, 2013). While countries in the
Mekong River basin have made efforts towards the join-management of river resources through
the Mekong River Commission and other bilateral and multilateral initiatives these efforts have
not been able to satisfactorily mitigate the negative social and environmental impacts of
economic use of the river (Feng, Wang, Suman, Yu, & He, 2019).
This article highlights the need for increased efforts towards equitable and sustainable
management of the Mekong River. It presents insights gained through 19 interviews with
stakeholders from various sectors including academics and experts, local NGOs, and residents
of local communities that showcase the environmental and social impacts of changes in the
Mekong in northern and north-eastern Thailand.4
The remainder of the article is structured in
three sections. First it will outline the main changes of the Mekong as well as the environmental
impacts of these changes as perceived by the interviewees. Next, the authors will discuss the
main social impacts of these changes through the lens of local populations to then conclude in
the last section outlining potential pathways forward based on our analysis.
Changes in the Hydrological System of the Mekong and its Impact on the
River’s Ecosystem
In line with other research (Hecht et al., 2019; Shrestha et al., 2018; Sridhar et al., 2019), the
interview respondents named changes in river sediments and waterflow as two major impacts
of economic exploitation of the Mekong River in addition to exacerbating factors such as
climate change and changes in land use.
Construction of dams alters the natural waterflow of the Mekong. Normally changes in the
Mekong waterflow are seasonal with lower water flow during the dry season and higher water
flow during the rainy season. However, dam construction for power generation alters this
natural seasonal cycle. As hydropower generators follow an economic logic of supply and
demand for electricity, they determine the flow of water according to levels of demand for
electricity. This means that in the dry season when demands for electricity are usually higher,
they discharge a higher amount of water disrupting naturally occurring changes in water flow.
Furthermore, destruction of islets functioning as natural barriers to facilitate transportation
along the river increases the strength of the waterflow.
These changes in waterflow impact the amount of sediment in the river. The retention of water
in the dams at the one hand can cause a significant reduction in sediments which is rich in
nutrients and a vital food source for various species in the Mekong ecosystem. Low levels of
sediment in addition to stronger waterflows leads to erosion of riverbanks which are important
parts of the ecosystem. Discharge of water from the dams, on the other hand, can cause
abnormally high amounts of sediments in the water which builds up and can result in
unnaturally shallow river sections. Respondents noted that these changes of sediment in the
river can even be observed by the naked eye as a change in colour of the river.
4
We want to express our sincere gratitude to Xiangshan Grand Academy for their support of our research.

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The impacts of dam construction are exacerbated through other factors affecting levels of water
in the river. As the Mekong is mainly fed by the snowmelt in the Himalaya (Adamson,
Rutherfurd, Peel, & Conlan, 2009), lower perspiration due to climate change decreases overall
amount of water in the river. Additionally, construction of dams in Mekong tributaries reduces
overall levels of water in the Mekong. Another factor are changes in land use, especially the
increasing economic utilisation and consequent destruction of waterfront forests. Waterfront
forests act like a sponge, retaining water throughout periods with higher waterflows and
discharging water in periods with lower water levels thus reducing overall fluctuations in water
levels. Due to the decreasing area of waterfront forests, this natural buffer is lost thus
exacerbating the problem of fluctuating water levels (Sridhar et al., 2019).
Throughout the interviews it became apparent that these changes in the Mekong River raise
major environmental concerns. Local environmental organisations highlighted the negative
impacts of changes in waterflow and amount of river sediment on local ecosystems. One
respondent named the giant catfish as one species of fish whose population has decreased
significantly due to disruptions of the deep trenches that form its natural habitat and destruction
of the aquatic plants that are its natural breeding ground through fluctuating water levels and
changes in sediments. Another respondent highlighted the decline of an aquatic plant called
“Kai” which is unique to the Mekong River. The respondent further notes that nonaquatic
animals such as birds whose life cycle depends on the river have lost their breeding grounds
on the riverbanks due to coastal erosion.
Impacts of the Changing Mekong on Local Communities in Thailand
These changes in the Mekong River significantly impacts local communities and their
livelihoods. Respondents highlighted three main areas of concerns including increasing
prevalence of flash floods, damage to fishing grounds, and damage to farmable lands.
Changes in waterflow and the natural course of the river leads to an increased risk of flash
floods. One respondent from Nong Khai province recounts her experience with a flash flood in
2008. Despite low amounts of rainfall, the Mekong water levels rose rapidly causing large
amount of damage to property and causing local communities to evacuate the area. This is
consistent with news reports of other flash floods in northern Thailand. In April 2022, water
level in the Mekong River rose sharply from 20-50 centimetres per day to almost 1 meter with
strong currents causing widespread destruction and the evacuation of shops and residents in
Thailand’s Loei province (ThaiPBS, 2022).
Next to the risk of natural disasters such as flash floods, changes in the Mekong’s ecosystem
negatively affect villagers’ livelihoods more permanently. One respondent reported a
noticeable decrease in fishing yields due to decreasing fish populations. Furthermore, raising
fishes in fish cages has also become less viable. Fluctuating water levels and stronger currents
kill fish raised in fish cages. Fluctuating water levels not only impact fish populations but can
also cause damage to fishing equipment. One respondent described how fishing boats and
equipment were carried away by strong currents impacting his ability to make a living from
fishing. The respondent noted that decreasing income from fishing negatively impacts local
communities’ overall well-being and potentially leading to the complete loss of fishing as a
profession in the region together with its cultural significance as more and more people are
looking for other sources of income.
Another impact on communities’ livelihoods is the destruction of arable land. Fluctuating water
levels, reduced sediment, and coastal erosion has caused significant damage to agricultural
areas along the Mekong River. This not only disrupts subsistence agriculture but the livelihoods

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of commercial farmers who rely on the sale of their agricultural products. In fact, agricultural
areas along the Mekong are important to the food processing industry. One respondent
exemplified this with tomato and chilli production in Nong Khai province which are used to
produce tomato and chilli sauce in a food processing plant in the area. The respondent further
recounts how farmers in another area were unable to meet company requirements due to the
loss of farmland and reduction in crop yield thus causing a significant loss in their monthly
income. Next to the direct impacts of changes in the river, communities can also be impacted
by initiatives aimed to combat negative ecological impacts. One respondent reported the loss
of farmland due to the construction of an embarkment by authorities aimed to combat coastal
erosion.
Next to interruptions of income through fishing and farming some respondents also reported a
disruption of tourism due to changes in the Mekong. The Jommanee River Shore in Nong Khai
province is used to be a popular tourist destination. During periods of low water levels between
November and April, the area used to boast a street food market with more than 200 shops that
was particularly well visited over the Songkran Festival. However, fluctuating water levels,
repeated flooding and the erosion of coastal areas forced the community to close the market.
Instances such as these exemplify the various negative impacts of the changing Mekong on
villagers’ livelihoods beyond the often-mentioned areas of fishing and agriculture. Another
seldom discussed effect of changes in the Mekong River system was brought up by another
respondent who noted that reduced water levels has lead to increased cross-border criminal
activity as the river as natural border barrier is becoming more easily passable.
Recommendations and Conclusions
Our research clearly shows that the changing Mekong significantly impacts both the river’s
ecosystem and the communities along its banks. The increasing economic exploitation of the
Mekong has led to changes in the water flow and sediments that is decremental to the flora and
fauna within the rivers. This in turn negatively impacts communities that rely on fishing and
agriculture. The changes in water flow, furthermore, increase the risk for natural disasters and
can cause damage to property of local communities. However, our analysis shows that the
causes of the changes are complex and interrelated. Not only are the impacts caused by
economic activity exacerbated through climate change, but their impacts are varied and
strongly dependent on locality and circumstances. Approaches to remedy these issues thus need
to be holistic balancing the various social, environmental, and economic demands on the river.
Otherwise, well meaning interventions can cause unintended consequences such as the
example of the Thai government intervention to combat coastal erosion which led to the loss
of farmland to communities.
Any approach to improved river management in the Mekong is complicated by the
transboundary nature of the river. Throughout the research it became clear that the mentioned
causes of the changes discussed cannot be addressed by one country alone. Dams are
constructed in all countries along the Mekong and any attempt to regulate the discharge and
retention of water necessarily needs to be coordinated multilaterally. Similarly, changes in land
use along the banks of the river are occurring in more than one country and efforts to combat
their effects thus need to be coordinated among nations. Furthermore, the impacts of climate
change inherently transcend any national border and thus need to be addressed in concert.
Based on our analysis and relevant literature the authors thus make the following
recommendations:

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1. Localised Responses
The problems the ecosystems and communities along the Mekong face are not the same for
all parts of the river. The identification of problems and suitable solutions must therefore be
localised to ensure the most efficient approach. Those involved in monitoring and regulating
the Mekong must take local circumstance into account and clearly communicate the details
of the problem for each part of the river.
2. Multilateral Regulations
As discussed above the issues of the Mekong River are inherently multilateral in nature.
Any response to these problems therefore must be multilateral. Relevant countries need to
intensify efforts on multilateral efforts through the Mekong River Commission especially
regarding the sharing of information, regulation of water resources, and effective early
warning systems for natural disasters. The main problem with the Mekong River
Commission now is that it does not have the power to enact binding regulation for its
member countries. Countries along the Mekong therefore should endow the commission
with more power to enact efficient and fair regulation systems of the Mekong’s water
resources.
3. Multisectionality
For any efforts in addressing the various issues to be inclusive and address the needs of local
communities the river management must incorporate all sections of society including
government, local communities, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Only if all
stakeholders can equally participate in the management of the river is it possible to balance
the needs of the different sectors and create a fair and inclusive management structure. To
ensure the involvement of local communities, efforts should be made to build networks
among communities along the river to serve as intermediaries in dealing with national and
international governance structures. Similarly, networks of scholars should be created and
included in the decision-making process to ensure evidence-based decision making.
4. Government responsibility
While all sectors of society need to be included in the decision-making process, it is national
governments that need to be the driving sector for inclusive and equitable distribution of
river resources. Therefore, governments of the countries along the Mekong should step up
their commitment to the just and equitable management of the Mekong and increase efforts
of international cooperation.
5. Balancing Economic, Social and Environmental Concerns
The Mekong River is an important economic resource. However, economic concerns need
to be balanced against social and environmental concerns. Therefore, the river should be
kept as close to its natural condition as possible. Furthermore, hydropower operators should
contribute to efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of dam construction on the
environment and local communities through funding relevant social and environmental
initiatives.
Experiences from other transboundary rivers show how efficient and effective river
management can ensure inclusive and sustainable use of water resources. The case of the
Danube River shows how effective multilateral cooperation, investment of regulatory power
in an international management agency and the incorporation of the public can improve
sustainability of the use of river resources (ICPDR, 2018). The case of the Nile River shows
the importance of the incorporation of principles of justice and equitability to ensure that river
resources benefit all sections of society (Yalew, Kwakkel, & Doorn, 2021). Hence, not all hope
is lost, if the relevant national governments and agencies incorporate these recommendations

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the Mekong can continue to sustain a thriving ecosystem and provide for millions of people
along its banks.
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