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dam-l LS: Lao lignite power plant to be considered by Thailand
Lao power plan to be considered
Chuan expected to visit lignite plant
Bhanravee Tansubhapol Bangkok Post May 1, 2000
Thailand will consider a proposal by Laos to provide lignite-powered
electricity during bilateral talks in Vientiane.
The ninth meeting of the Thai-Lao Joint Commission, which will cover
wide-ranging issues between the two countries, begins tomorrow.
Laos Prime Minister Sisavath Keobounphan came up with the lignite plan in
the event that three hydropower dams-Nam Theun II, Nam Ngum II and Nam Ngum
III-fail to generate the 1,600 MW of electricity required by Thailand by 2006.
With this in mind, Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai will visit a nearly
completed lignite plant in Hongsa district, Xayaboury province, during a
trip to Laos on May 26-28, a source said.
Concerns about supply emerged when the two countries met to discuss the
payment of the electricity purchase.
The commission will also discuss land surveyance and plans to build a
second bridge across the Mekong River linking Mukdaharn with Savannkhet in
Laos, a Foreign Ministry source said The second phase of the Luang Prabang
airport project in northern Laos will also be dealt with by the commission.
Other issues on the agenda would include drug suppression, border control,
human resources, railways, telecommunications, investments, trade, finance
and the reinforcement of the Mekong and Hueng river banks, the source said.
Deputy permanent secretary for foreign affairs Chuchai Kasemsant and Laos
permanent secretary Bounkeut Sangsomsak will co-chair the main meeting
tomorrow.
The two foreign ministers, Surin Pitsuwan and Somsavad Lengsavat, would
lead the ministerial talks on Wednesday and Thursday.