Laos to keep building dams despite negative impacts

Laos is still working towards its goal of becoming Asia’s battery, exporting electricity to its wealthier neighbours, but critics say the rapid dam building is harming the environment and threatening livelihoods.

Laos is pushing ahead with plans to build more dams along the Mekong River in spite of a deadly collapse in July and the negative impact dams have had on the environment and people who make their living off the rivers.

It wants to become Asia’s battery, exporting electricity to its wealthier neighbours.

Al Jazeera’s Wayne Hay reports from Chiang Khong, Thailand.