Deal #5862

Shan state is Myanmar’s largest and most ethnically diverse state, populated by dozens of ethnic minority groups, including the Shan, Palaung, Pa-O, Wa, Lahu, Padaung, Akha and Lisu, all with divergent dialects or languages, customs, traditional dress and beliefs.

Activist demand that there should be "a participatory process for energy planning – both for Thailand and Myanmar – so the public is allowed to be involved and all options can be taken into account, including energy efficiency, small-scale power plants and a decentralized system.” (Pollard, 2018)

The Australian company, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) has been commissioned to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment in Shan State. However the legitimacy and quality of the report has been questioned by a number of civil society organizations in Shan State. The study team has met with opposition from local villagers in many areas. The study is also far from complete, as part of the study area along the Salween River is under the control of the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and they have refused to give permission to the study team to enter the area.

Forced relocation in the dam area due to military conflict between 1996 and 1998 indicate that the conflict in the area not only because of dam plannings.

Local people in the area were forcibly relocated by Burmese government troops in the 90’s, and at least 300,000 people were displaced during this time. Many fl ed to Thailand, and are now living along the border and in Chiang Mai, still unable to return home almost 20 years later. If the Mong Ton Dam is built these refugees will lose all hope of ever returning home.