Mekong Dispatch
The news aggregator serving the region - June 2025.
Mekong Dispatch, originally developed as a news aggregator, understands the growing concerns over press freedom and the escalating environmental crises and now seeks to secure its future as an evolving independent platform dedicated to amplifying local voices. By prioritizing and encouraging original reporting and commentary on environmental challenges, Mekong Dispatch aims to foster greater awareness and accountability. The platform plans to expand its coverage, providing increased commentaries, in-depth journalism, and special reports highlighting the intersection of environmental issues, policy, and community resilience. We would love to hear from you. This is your free newsletter. Please click and sign up for more, including weekly dispatches –– The editors.
Highlights
“United Kingdom Joins Mekong River Commission Partnership ” by The Pinnacle Gazette June 20.
The UK formalizes a new development partnership with the Mekong River Commission to enhance climate resilience and support sustainable water management in the vulnerable Mekong region.
“Hun Manet Uses UN Ocean Conference to Boost Diplomatic Ties, Green Commitments” by Cambodianess June 10.
Cambodia’s recent signing of the High Seas Treaty marks a significant step in its commitment to global ocean conservation, aligning the country with international efforts to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. The treaty, aimed at regulating activities in international waters through the creation of marine protected areas and sustainable resource use, reflects Cambodia’s growing role in environmental governance despite its modest coastline. The move bolsters regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, supports the nation’s climate and sustainability goals, and signals its readiness to engage in multilateral environmental agreements—positioning Cambodia as a responsible actor in global ocean stewardship.
“Mekong River Is Threatened by Dams From China to Vietnam” by Bloomberg June 10.
The Mekong River is more than the sum of its nearly 3,000 miles. It’s one of the world’s most valuable waterways and has been vital to political power in Southeast Asia for centuries.
Environment
“Britain and Mekong River Comission partnership to boost climate resilience in Laos and Asean region” by The Star June 22.
Laos and the region of South-East Asia as a whole is set to benefit from strengthened climate resilience efforts and improved water resource management through a new development partnership between Britain and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
“Specter of dams and diversion looms over Southeast Asia’s Salween River” by Gerald Flynn June 19.
The Salween River, one of Asia’s last free-flowing rivers, supports Indigenous communities and biodiversity across China, Myanmar and Thailand, but faces threats from at least 20 proposed hydropower dams, mainly in Myanmar.
“Vietnam to export first batch of low-emission rice” by Asia News Network June 4.
On June 5, the ‘Green and low-emission Vietnamese rice’ trademark will officially enter the export market. The first shipment, bound for Japan, is seen as a significant breakthrough for the rice industry.
Geopolitics
MI Engages Regional Stakeholders in Shaping Strategic Plan 2026–2030 by Mekong Institute June 13.
The Mekong Institute (MI) successfully convened its Regional Consultation, bringing together development partners, government representatives, and regional experts to collectively review and provide insights on the draft MI Strategic Plan 2026–2030.
“Mekong bridge to spur momentum for Vietnam, Laos, Thailand connectivity” by VnExpress International June 9, 2025.
Laos and Thailand have put the final touches to their friendship bridge No.5, marking a significant move in transport infrastructure connectivity and trade promotion within the Mekong sub-region, especially among Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
“‘Mekong Tourism Forum 2025’ to spotlight sustainable travel and regional unity in Luang Prabang” by Pattaya Mail June 9.
Organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR in partnership with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), the event will unfold in the UNESCO World Heritage city under the theme United Journey – Stronger Together.This year’s gathering will promote regional cooperation and foster the exchange of innovative approaches to sustainable tourism development.
“Strengthening Mekong water governance: Thailand (ONWR) and SEI launch 5-year collaboration” by SEI June 3.
SEI and the Office of the National Water Resources of the Kingdom of Thailand (ONWR) has signed a five-year agreement to strengthen Mekong Region water governance. It will advance collaborative efforts in addressing critical water and natural resource challenges in the region.
“Vietnam, U.S. agree to accelerate trade negotiations” by The Saigon Times June 5.
The heads of the Vietnamese and U.S. negotiation teams – Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer – held a ministerial-level meeting on June 4 in France as part of the bilateral reciprocal trade agreement talks, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
Security
“Cambodia Confirms Participation in JBC Meeting with Thailand, Excludes Disputed Temples Referred to ICJ - Laotian Times” by Laotian Times June 5.
Cambodia has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting with Thailand, scheduled for 14 June, with Phnom Penh serving as host.
Event
Mekong Tourism Forum 2025/ Pullman Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
June 25-27, 2025.
The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) is an annual event dedicated to the tourism industry in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The event provides a cooperative platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to discuss the development, marketing, and promotion of travel to, from, and within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).