Nations around the Mekong are meeting in Thailand to discuss the vital river's low water levels. The once mighty Mekong is at a 50-year low in parts of Thailand and Laos.

Chinese companies have started construction on two hydroelectric dams in Cambodia, one on a tributary of the river.

However, the Cambodia government has much to lose by being too critical of China, which continues to pump billions of dollars into the country's infrastructure.

Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from northern Cambodia, where the lack of water is affecting people's livelihoods.