Thailand 14-day adventure from $1,199 Oct 17, 2009
Next youll embark on a scenic boat trip along the Mekong River in the historic Golden Triangle region, the meeting point of Thailand, Burma and Laos. Other tour highlights include visits to the renowned Chiang Mai, known as the rose of the north, where youll visit an elephant farm and learn about the role of elephants in Thai agriculture. (MSNBC -- Travel)
17 die as river ferry sinks in Cambodia Oct 12, 2009
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - An overloaded river ferry capsized on its way to a Buddhist ceremony in Cambodia, killing 17 passengers in a tributary of the Mekong River, an official said Sunday. The boat was crammed with 30 passengers when it capsized in midstream in northeastern Kratie province, said Police Maj. (MSNBC -- International)
* World News Quick Take Oct 12, 2009
CAMBODIA Overloaded ferry sinks At least 17 people were missing and presumed drowned after an overloaded ferry sank in the Mekong River, officials said yesterday. The 14 women and three men were traveling to a local Buddhist temple to watch a performance in Kratie Province, about 200km from Phnom Penh, when their ferry sank in a tributary late on Saturday in strong currents. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
'Overloaded' Mekong ferry sinks Oct 12, 2009
At least 17 people are feared dead after an overloaded ferry capsized on the Mekong river in Cambodia. The ferry was on its way to a Buddhist temple in Kratie province when it was caught in strong currents. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Vietnam vet recalls late '60s tour of duty Oct 7, 2009
Mention a place, and a memory emerges: the Mekong River. "We were about 20 yards off from it. If I'd had sneezed, I'd have been dead," Cox said as he described how he and a few other soldiers lay quietly watching a group of 48 North Vietnamese solders pass on the far side of the river. (Athens Banner-Herald)
First the candy, then the bullets Good news, meet bad news. How do you... Oct 2, 2009
The World Wildlife Fund recently revealed an enormous, dazzling array of 163 newly discovered species, all found deep in the Mekong River region of Vietnam. Leopard geckos. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Act now to prevent future world hunger Oct 1, 2009
Low-lying Bangladesh and Vietnam's Mekong River Delta, for example, could lose much of their prime rice-growing areas if seas rise only three feet, a figure well within possible projections for this century. The report calls for an additional $7 billion annually in adaptation aid to farmers until 2050, especially to small-scale farmers in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which are expected to be hardest hit. (Christian Science Monitor)
ICBC to take up stake in Thailands ICL Bank Oct 1, 2009
Thailand, which has a significant economic and geographical advantage, will serve as a platform for the bank to enter into the Mekong River region, ICBC said. Earlier this month, ICBC vice-president Yi Huiman said emerging markets in Asia would be its first choice for international mergers and acquisitions. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Striped gecko among 163 new species found Sep 30, 2009
"It's a melting pot of diverse habitats. It has some of the wettest forests on the planet, high mountains, and a diverse array of terrestrial and marine habitats, including the Mekong River," he said. "We continue to find new species of fish, primates and mammals, and nowhere else compares to the amount of large mammals that have been discovered in the region. It shows how little we know about species in the region," he said. (CNN)
Regional news: Deer scoring 492 dies Sep 30, 2009
Fanged frog, 162 other new species found in Mekong BANGKOK A gecko with leopard-like spots on its body and a fanged frog that eats birds are among 163 new species discovered last year in the Mekong River region of Southeast Asia, an environmental group said Friday. . (ESPN -- Outdoors)
NEW SPECIES PHOTOS: Fanged Frog, Leopard Gecko, More Sep 30, 2009
The Greater Mekong region includes the lands drained by the Mekong River in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, and China. The area is among the most biologically diverse and important in Asia, according to WWF.. (National Geographic)
US bids to erase its Lao past Sep 30, 2009
Another 158 Hmong are incarcerated in an immigration detention center in the Thai border town of Nong Khai, across the Mekong River from the Lao capital of Vientiane. Members of the second group were recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as persons of concern in 2005-2006. (Asia Times Online)
Climate risk to 'fanged' frog Sep 26, 2009
Researchers said the frog, as well as more than 150 other species discovered in the Mekong River region in 2008, was under threat as increasing instances of droughts and floods in the area damaged the habitat. SEE ALSO. (BBC News -- Science)
Researchers Work To Keep Terrapin Turtle Off Endangered Species List Sep 23, 2009
22, 2009) University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) researchers exploring strategies for conserving the Diamondback Terrapin along Alabama's Dauphin Island coastline are working to keep the once-celebrated turtle off the endangered species list. The Diamondback Terrapin has been a national delicacy, a source of state taxes and a casualty of commercial development and victim of new predators, but now its prospects are improved by a UAB-based turtle hatchery that may accelerate the growth of the... (Science Daily)
Most major deltas are sinking, study finds Sep 22, 2009
The researchers predict that similar disasters could potentially occur in the Pearl River delta in China and the Mekong River delta in Vietnam, where thousands of square miles are below sea level and the regions are hit by periodic typhoons. "Although humans have largely mastered the everyday behavior of lowland rivers, they seem less able to deal with the fury of storm surges that can temporarily raise sea level by three to 10 meters (10 to 33 feet)," wrote the study authors. (MSNBC -- Environment)
The silent tak bat processional happens at dawn. Sep 12, 2009
The Hotel Beau Rivage Mekong, where we stayed, is on the Mekong River in a residential neighborhood about a mile from downtown and close to five or six Buddhist temples (called wats, as they are in Thailand). During the rainy season, when the river is high, the water is about 30 feet from the hotel's front door. (AZCentral -- Travel)
Elephants and more in Laos Sep 12, 2009
We had a rental truck, but you can also rent a boat and boatman or a small, open-air tuk-tuk (a motorized rickshaw) and driver to take you to the communities, all of which are along the Mekong River. The best-known attraction north of town are the Pak Ou caves, on the west side of the river. (AZCentral -- Travel)
Vietnam Memorial Wall replica to open today in Titusville Sep 4, 2009
Bringing the wall to Titusville gives many local residents the chance to see something they might not otherwise get to see, said Castelluccio, who celebrated his 21st birthday in Vietnam while serving as a U.S. Navy "brown-water sailor" on the Mekong River. The 370-foot-long replica will be open round-the-clock until it is taken down at 7 a.m. Tuesday. (Erie Times-News, PA)
In ‘Merry Misogynist,’ coroner-sleuth unravels a new mystery Aug 10, 2009
And although the national coroner, the elderly Dr. Siri Paiboun, is usually capable of finding joy in every little thing - the lights over the Mekong River, his new wife, Madame Daeng, her marvelous noodles - he, too, is dragged down by two disturbing cases, both involving women. Despite his age, Dr. Siri loves women. (Boston Globe)
Dams in China Turn the Mekong Into a River of Discord Jul 29, 2009
Winning the debate or coming to a workable compromise is further complicated by Chinas refusal to join the Mekong River Commission, an inter-government agency whose members include the four of the downstream countries ... China's Xiaowan dam, the world's tallest, poses a huge challenge to the Mekong river basin countries ... SINGAPORE: Back in 1986, when China began building the first of a series of dams on the Mekong River, hardly anyone in the downstream countries of Southeast Asia paid... (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Clinton heads to SE Asia for North Korea, Myanmar talks Jul 21, 2009
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Clinton turns to N Korea Jul 21, 2009
Clinton is also expected to discuss the region's economy and joint action on tackling swine flu, and will hold an unprecedented meeting with counterparts from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to discuss health and environmental issues concerning the Mekong river. ARF will also tackle terrorism after deadly suicide blasts on Friday at two hotels in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, a key Asean state that Clinton visited in February on her first overseas tour as chief diplomat. (iAfrica.com)
Japanese singing contest to be held in Myanmar Jul 13, 2009
The Mekong River is shared by six countries -- China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Editor: Li. (Xinhuanet, China)
Miss Ireland upstages lady in red Jul 3, 2009
I am having a lot of fun, therefore, reading the highly entertaining story of Ian Walker journey upstream along the mighty Mekong river. new. (Yahoo News -- Beauty Pageants)
Thailand Extends Royal Golf Invitation Jun 27, 2009
Anantara Golden Triangle, a luxury nature retreat set amid 160 acres of tropical jungle, all of it hewing to the winding Mekong River and a border dividing three countries. Anantara Hua Hin, nestled in 14 acres of luxuriant tropical gardens along the white sand beaches on the Gulf of Thailand. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
China calls for boosting trade, investment in east Asia Jun 25, 2009
China encouraged its entrepreneurs to invest in Thailand, Wen said, adding that both countries should ensure a proposed highway from Kunming, China to Bangkok be completed at an early date and promote trade and logistics in the Mekong River area. Abhisit said Thailand and China had enjoyed a long-term friendship and the relationship and cooperation in all areas had improved. (Xinhuanet, China)
Modern Silk Road Jun 22, 2009
There is also an idea to build a road south through Laos alongside the Mekong River, past Champasak into Cambodia and on to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in southern Vietnam. This would also offer road links to the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and the major destination of Siem Reap, next to the Angkor Wat temple complex. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
MIKE THARP: Five Hmong sisters get five degrees Jun 22, 2009
After walking for 14 days and nights through the jungle, 11 Hmong refugees came to the banks of the Mekong River that divides Laos from Thailand. They were fleeing the Pathet Lao communist forces who were seeking anybody who had helped the Americans in the CIA-sponsored secret war in Laos in the late '60s and early '70s. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Mekong dolphins on brink of extinction Jun 21, 2009
WASHINGTON: A new report by the WWF (Worldwide fund for Nature) has revealed that pollution in the Mekong River has pushed the local population of Irrawaddy dolphins to the brink of extinction. The Mekong dolphin population is estimated at between 66 and 86 individuals inhabiting a 190km stretch of the Mekong River between Cambodia and Lao PDR. ... "These pollutants are widely distributed in the environment and so the source of this pollution may involve several countries through which the... (India Times, India)
Mekong dolphins almost extinct, WWF says Jun 19, 2009
Mekong River in southeast Asia faces "devastating" threat from 11 proposed dams ... (CNN) -- It is the life blood for tens of millions of people -- but the mighty Mekong River in southeast Asia is now facing a "devastating" threat from not one, but 11 proposed dams ... Irrawaddy dolphins as seen in Cambodia's Mekong River in November 2007. (CNN)
'Third gender'? Jun 18, 2009
I went with Khom and her friend to walk along the banks of the Mekong river. Families were having picnics under the trees in the sweltering heat. (BBC News)
Mekong river dolphin near extinct: WWF Jun 18, 2009
Pollution in southeast Asia's Mekong River has pushed freshwater dolphins in Cambodia and Laos to the brink of extinction, an international conservation group said ... "These pollutants are widely distributed in the environment and so the source of this pollution may involve several countries through which the Mekong River flows," said WWF veterinary surgeon Verne Dove in a press statement ... "The Mekong River dolphins are isolated from other members of their species and they need our help,"... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Thailand, air/11 nights, from $1,199 Jun 16, 2009
Stop by a ceramic-making village, then continue to the lakeside town of Phayao, followed by Chiang Saen on the border with Laos, and then hop on a boat to cross the Mekong River toward the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos intersect. Visit Mae Sai on your way to Chiang Rai. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Thailand to propose Thai-Lao ancient cities to be joint world heritage Jun 4, 2009
The news agency quoted Thai Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch assaying that the trans-boundary archaeological urban complex of Chiang Saen and Suvannakhomkham, with a history of about 500-600 years, is at the Mekong River gateway, where the recursors of today's Thailand and the Laos absorbed the Chinese and Indian cultures, and developed their own unique cultures long ago. The ministry also plans to nominate four other historic sites for consideration by UNESCO next year. (Xinhuanet, China)
* Taiwan must defend its territory May 25, 2009
2 seconds east), roughly southeast of the mouth of the Mekong River. To the north it extends to N 9X 30 15. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* The risks and benefits of detente May 14, 2009
As examples he cites Chinas dam on the Mekong River and says that despite signing a deal with the Philippines and Vietnam for joint exploration of the disputed South China Sea, Beijing has not retracted its claim to large swaths of the water. . (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
What does tourisms future look like? Hottest trends May 10, 2009
One of the newest riverboats is the Mekong Sun, a 28-passenger Laotian-built vessel that follows a formerly inaccessible stretch of the Mekong River from Vientiane, past the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, and into the Golden Triangle. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Bad publicity May 8, 2009
Its western border is framed by the mighty Mekong river which winds its way from the Tibetan plateau out into the South China Sea. It is a long way from home and it is not a place to be in prison. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Luang Prabang, Soul of Laos May 8, 2009
Luang Prabang, is nestled strikingly on a peninsula formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Mekong River and Nam Khan river ... Phou Si, meaning Holy Mountain or Sacred Mountain, has an excellent view over the town, as well as the Mekong River and Nam Khan River ... Situated on the bank of the Mekong River, on the wedge of land formed where the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers meet, Wat Xieng Thong was constructed in 1559/1560 A.D. by king Say Setthathirath. (Suite101.com)
Vietnam Sends Message to China With Russian Sub May 8, 2009
China continues the heavy damming of the Mekong River, the lifeblood of Vietnam's south, which winds a 2,700-mile path through six countries but has its source in China. "This affects people all along the Mekong. This is something that has tremendous popular resonance," Lieberthal told FOXNews. (Fox News)
China cashes in on crisis May 5, 2009
Today the countries that are bound by the Mekong River - Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam - offer China's southwestern regions the chance to catch up economically with the more prosperous provinces of the country's east coast. Yunnan province, through which the Mekong flows, and to the east Guangxi province, which like Yunnan borders Vietnam, are being groomed for central roles in China's plan to revive its influence in Southeast Asia. (Asia Times Online)
John Hillen, 72, an author, decorated Army officer May 4, 2009
John Hillen took a trip down the Mekong River on a return visit to Vietnam, where he served two tours. (Family Photo). (Boston Globe)
A helping Chinese hand Apr 30, 2009
At the same time, there is deep suspicion and angst over China's opaque plans for building a series of hydroelectric dams on the upper reaches of the Mekong River, which flows through and sustains the livelihoods of large populations in many mainland ASEAN states. While some ASEAN countries may still be wary of China's rising regional clout, its recent aid proposal will no doubt be warmly welcomed across the region. (Asia Times Online)
Phnom Penh Water Festival Apr 29, 2009
More than three hundred boats take part in the annual race on the Mekong River, each propelled by a team of precision driven oarsmen. The boats are colourfully decorated and are a wonderful sight for the many spectators that line the shore. (Suite101.com)
Asia may see more conflicts over water: report Apr 17, 2009
It noted water disputes between hostile neighbors India and Pakistan and the complex relations governing the vast Mekong River, which is shared by China and its southern neighbors, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The report said while water issues have more often generated cooperation than conflict between nations in the past, demographic pressures and water scarcity would be unprecedented in the coming decades. (Scientific American)
Children Charity Organisation in La... Apr 16, 2009
The lack of foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional South-East Asian life, from the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged highlands, travellers who have made it to Laos tend to agree that this country is the highlight of South-East Asia. Laos is a small landlocked country bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and China. (Suite101.com)
Protesters take control of Bangkok streets Apr 13, 2009
Protests were also reported in areas of northern and northeastern Thailand, with one group threatening to blockade the main bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River. Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, regarded by most of the protesters as their leader, called for a revolution and said he might return from overseas exile to lead it. (Boston Globe)
China rolls out assistance blueprint for ASEAN Apr 13, 2009
Regarding sub-regional cooperation between the two sides, China proposed to vigorously push forward development in Mekong river subregion, cooperation in areas including East ASEAN Growth Area and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle. Yang also expressed China's hope of expanding exchanges and cooperation between its coastal, frontier, central and western provinces and enterprises on the one hand and the ASEAN countries on the other hand to foster new outlets of economic growth. (Xinhuanet, China)
* China planned to unveil US$10 billion investment fund at failed ASEAN talks Apr 13, 2009
While not an ASEAN member, Chinas growing economic clout, huge market and competitive exports make it an important participant in ASEAN summits, although tensions persist over competing claims to the South China Sea and Chinese plans for dams that are opposed by other nations along the Mekong River. This story has been viewed 493 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Thailand Announces State of Emergency in Capital Apr 13, 2009
Protests were also reported in areas of northern and northeastern Thailand, with one group threatening to blockade the main bridge linking Laos and Thailand across the Mekong River. Editorials in Bangkok newspapers Sunday lashed out at both the protesters for destroying Thailand's international reputation and the government for a massive security breakdown. (Fox News)
Manhunt is on for Mekong Robin Hood Apr 7, 2009
CHIANG MAI - A shootout on the Mekong River between Myanmar's army and a rebel militia killed one and injured three Chinese sailors and motivated a manhunt that involved the security forces of four nations ... He later regrouped with his militia members to a Golden Triangle area closer to the Mekong River. (Asia Times Online)
New Solutions For The Arsenic-poisoning Crisis In Asia Apr 3, 2009
The Mekong River in Cambodia offered a perfect alternative. Its headwaters are only 100 miles away from those of the Brahmaputra River. (Science Daily)
Sierra Vista pastor returns to Vietnam Apr 1, 2009
Located on the Mekong River Delta, this church presented a whole other set of challenges. To actually baptize someone there in the water, you have to have a boat that will watch for you and warn when the police are coming, he said. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
They reached out to help and found each other Mar 25, 2009
This year, Victor, 56, and Lora Fasolino, 46, will again work on former President Carter's , building houses in five countries: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and China -- along the Mekong River in southeast Asia. In 2007, Dave Chung and Kim Benty found each other while helping Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans, Louisiana. (CNN)
Obituary: Jack Rowland of Winchester, 21; explored the world, found excitement Mar 25, 2009
To avoid overstaying his visa in that country, he went to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, barely across the border on the other side of the Mekong River. Last Wednesday, he died in Vientiane from a combination of alcohol and drugs, his father said. (Boston Globe)
Sin aqua non Mar 22, 2009
The World Wildlife Fund has an agreement with the Mekong River Commission and the Asian Development Bank to help decide where dams on the Mekong should go and how to minimise their drawbacks. It and Nature Conservancy work with the International Hydropower Association to write new standards for dam building that might actually be implemented (earlier ones were ignored). (The Economist)
YESTERYEARS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009 Mar 18, 2009
A United States Navy officer was killed by the Viet Cong in the Mekong River delta, and a Marine died of wounds suffered in an accidental shooting at Da Nang air base. Their deaths raised the unofficial total of Americans killed in Vietnam since December, 1961, to 430 304 of them in combat. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
First Thai-Laos rail link opens Mar 6, 2009
Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has opened a rail link over the Mekong river, linking Thailand and Laos. Two passenger trains will run the 30-minute return trip each day, serving about 500 people daily. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
A Riveting Work Feb 28, 2009
His wife and 10 children were harassed and threatened, leading most of them to flee across the Mekong River to Thailand. First to go was Thavisouk Phrasavath, the eldest son, followed by his mother and seven other kids. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
