Mekong Dispatch
The news aggregator serving the region - July 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
“ASEAN Disaster Simulation Set for July 22–24 in Cambodia” by Cambodianess July 15.
Cambodia will host the ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2025 (ARDEX-25) from July 22 to 24 at the Special Forces Command of the Cambodian Army in Phnom Penh.
“China Wields It Power Over Rare Earth Mines In Myanmar With Zero Regard For The Environment” by Anna Wong July 9.
China’s hold over heavy rare earth processing has grown more intense, as Beijing now uses its grip on these minerals to sway events in Myanmar and protect its interests, while its mining methods cause pollution that is now reaching northern Thailand.
“Work on bridge across Mekong River in Cambodia's Kratie province nears completion” by The Star July 7.
Work on a China-funded bridge across the Mekong River in northeast Cambodia's Kratie province neared completion after two and a half years of construction, said a press release from Cambodia's Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
“Mekong River Body Detects Heavy Metal Contamination” by Bangkok Post July 7.
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat is warning about a “moderately serious” situation following the detection of heavy metal contamination in the Mekong River, believed to have originated from poorly regulated mining operations in a self-administered region of Myanmar.
Environment
“PM urges faster progress in Mekong Delta projects” by Voice of Vietnam July 13.
The Prime Minister called on localities to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of administrative units. He stressed the importance of finalizing personnel arrangements, preparing for Party congresses at all levels, and simplifying administrative procedures for both citizens and businesses.
“Mekong River flow into Vietnam’s Mekong Delta expected to rise 10–30% in July: forecaster” by Tuoi Tre July 4.
In a monthly hydrological bulletin covering July 1–31, the station noted that increased upstream rainfall and early flood activity in Cambodia had raised river levels across the region.
“The Mekong Delta and Vietnam’s Blue Economy: A Strategic Ocean Turn” by Nguyen Huu Loi July 3.
The Mekong Delta has long been hailed as Vietnam’s agricultural heartland – its “rice bowl.” Yet today, it faces an existential challenge. Climate change, environmental degradation, saline intrusion, and declining natural resources are placing immense pressure on traditional land-based development models.
“MRC Addresses Kok River Water Quality Concerns, Regional Meeting Set for Next Steps” by the Mekong River Commission July 3.
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat is working closely with national agencies from Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand, to address concerns over water quality in the Kok River and parts of the Mekong River.
Geopolitics
“Laos secures US$2.8mil from Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund to finance development projects” by The Star July 16.
Laos and China have signed a new cooperation agreement under the 2025 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund, with Laos securing funding for 10 development projects worth a total of US$2,823,600.
“Tripartite Cooperation Accelerates: Promoting Logistics and Tourism along the China-Laos-Thailand Railway” by Laotian Times July 14.
A press conference convened in Thailand’s Khon Kaen on 14 July to promote the forthcoming Logistics and Tourism Promotion Meeting along the China-Laos-Thailand Railway, scheduled for 19 August at the Mekong Institute.
“13th Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting” by the Kingdom of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation July 11.
On 11 July 2025, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, attended the 13th Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan July 10.
On July 10th, the Sixteenth Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held by Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam as co-chairs.
Culture
“Vietcombank Mekong Delta int’l marathon 2025 wraps up in Can Tho” by Vietnam+ July 6.
The closing ceremony of the 6th Vietcombank Mekong Delta International Marathon took place on July 6 in Vi Tan ward, Can Tho city.