Northwest Prepares as Thailand Opens Dam
Thai authorities yesterday opened a dam near the Cambodian border, a move that could worsen flooding and affect thousands of people in Banteay Meanchey province, according to Cambodian officials. … Mr. Vanda [vice president of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)] said the excess water released from the Thai dam in Ta Praya district, would reach Cambodian areas in the next few days. He said the high water was now expected to first reach Banteay Meanchey’s Malai district, avoiding Poipet City and then flow into Battambang province. … While provincial authorities appeared to be expecting serious repercussions from the opening of the dam, Thailand’s ambassador to Cambodia, Sompong Sanguanbun, said Thai authorities had reassured him the effects would not be serious. …
