Beijing has agreed to scrap a controversial project to clear the rocky outcrops and islets in the upper section of the Mekong River to ease transport of cargo from China, said Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.
Speaking after the official visit by Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China last month, Mr Don said Thailand had raised concerns about China's effort to clear the outcrops in the international river for the purpose of trade and transport.
The project has met resistance from environmentalists who are against adverse impacts on the fragile ecology and the people whose livelihoods depend on the river.
The islets and outcrops are breeding grounds for aquatic animals in the Mekong River. Clearing the rocks poses a major threat to the ecology, fish species and the fishery on which people make a living, according to environmental advocates.
Mr Don said the need to expand cargo delivery by boat may be counter-balanced by aviation and land transport options.
Clearing the rocky outcrops may not be worth the trouble, given the environmental harm it is feared to cause. "We see no reason to continue with islet destruction because it could create more problems," the minister said.
"China has given a positive response and agreed to stop the project. The meeting with Mr Wang was constructive because China acknowledged our concerns," he said.
The project was initiated in 2000 with an agreement signed by China, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. Under the agreement, islets and outcrops which obstructed river transport were to be destroyed by blasting them. However, the work was halted due to protests from the locals in downstream areas.
Pienporn Deetes, Thailand director of International Rivers, said she had learned the Chinese government was determined to push through with the project, judging from the public hearings held on the subject attended by the Chinese company which presented the project details.
However, the locals were not happy with the project as they felt it endangered their livelihoods.
"It is good news that the two governments expressed concerns about environmental and livelihood impacts," she said.
