Sub-area : Northeast region of Thailand & Central Laos

Key Physical Features • Elevated area, sloping gently to the east with scattered lava flows distributed moistly among the southerly boundary.• Most of the plateau are underlain by saline evaporates which are mined for salt.• The Mun & Chi River : large catchment areas

but contribute a

relatively small

proportion of the river

flow

pp2.2 Presentation Power Point 2.2 Central plateau & Central Laws

Benefits of shared Resources

Northeast Region of Thailand (The Plateau)• Irrigated water in large agricultural area and irrigated areas will be expanded.• Capture fisheries in Song Khram, Mun and Chi rivers.• Hydropower development• A lots of aquaruture potential for those who have land alongside the river• Flooding in cities, (Ubon Ratchathani)

pp2.2 Presentation Power Point 2.2 Central plateau & Central Laws

Benefits of shared Resources

Central Laos • Irrigated development is limited and low capability.• Capture fishery : Important source of poetic & food security• Navigation • Agricultural land is used to produce food crops.

pp2.2 Presentation Power Point 2.2 Central plateau & Central Laws

People and the shared Resources

Northeast region of Thailand• The poorest of Thailand, but less then central Laos.• High population density (75-175-persons/km2)• Resources are used mainly for cash crops(fish&land)• In remote areas, resources are used for self sufficient

livelihood.• Off-farm income is currently main income source since Thailand has rapid growing industry rural labour is drawn from areas.

pp2.2 Presentation Power Point 2.2 Central plateau & Central Laws

People and the shared Resources

Central Laos• Poverty is considerable• Low population density (20-70 persons/km2)• Resources are mainly used for self sufficient economy.• The “Breadbasket of Laos” , most productive food production.• Resources are main sources of food security.

pp2.2 Presentation Power Point 2.2 Central plateau & Central Laws

Implications for Basin Planning

Northeast region of Thailand• High irrigated development leads to an expansion of irrigated land 2 risk on environmental degradation• Damming the river affects capture fish --> declining fish income and social conflict (The case of Pakmun Dam)• Rural poor & landless are venerable group in BP.

pp2.2 Presentation Power Point 2.2 Central plateau & Central Laws

Implications for Basin Planning

Central Laos• Poverty reduction could be done through expansion of irrigated areas.• Laos and Thailand are energy trading partners. How to have a sound management to keep ecological balance while sustainable use of ecology.

pp2.2 Presentation Power Point 2.2 Central plateau & Central Laws