A false picture of Lancang-Mekong River tensions

After reading through the report, we have to say it does not give the full picture of the seminar held at Chulalongkorn University last week, which was also attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy. There were five speakers giving their observations on water resources cooperation at the seminar, including Professor Emeritus Surichai Wun’Gaeo and Assoc Prof Chaiyuth Sukhsri from Chula. Both of them, as well as other Thai participants at the seminar, had constructive discussions with speakers from the Chinese side on pursuing better collaboration on water resources management, in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.  
From what we saw and heard at the seminar, it is fair to say that it was successful as a platform for scholars from China and Thailand to communicate with each other, share their academic viewpoints and build mutual understanding. Therefore, it is hoped that the full picture of the seminar could be reflected in media reports so as to send a correct message to all stakeholders and encourage them to work together for the shared goal.
China, as a speaker said during the seminar, has carried out highly effective exchanges and cooperation on hydrological flood reporting and flood control, emergency treatment, improvement of boundary rivers, water resources development, utilisation and protection with Thailand and other Lancang-Mekong countries, and would like to join with them to further broaden the scope of water resources cooperation to promote sustainable development and stability in the region .
The Lancang-Mekong River is not only a gift of nature for our six countries, but also a natural bond that allows us to help each other. We do hope that the media can help us forge a stronger bond with comprehensive reports on water-related issues. We welcome Thai media to China for fact-finding trips on the sustainable development of water resources, including interviews with resettled residents.
Yang Yang 
Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand