Impacts of the Middle Mekong River Basin on Economic, Social and Health Conditions

Abstract

          The research on the impact of the middle Mekong River basin on the economy, society, and public health aimed to study its effects on the economic, social, and health conditions of people in the middle Mekong River basin, focusing on fishery and Mekong-related occupations. The study also sought to monitor migration and emerging infectious diseases across four provinces: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan. A total of 400 participants were selected through purposive sampling, comprising 260 males and 140 females. Data collection methods included secondary data analysis, structured interviews, and survey research. Data were gathered using Likert-scale techniques and analyzed through descriptive statistical methods.
         The research findings revealed that the primary use of the Mekong River is for fishing, followed by agriculture, tourism, water pumping for agriculture, sailing, water pumping for municipal water supply, temporarily permitted-areas, docking points, and sand dredging. Regarding the use of the riverbanks, it was found that agricultural activities dominate the areas near the banks, followed by irrigation in agricultural zones and the use of these areas as tourist attractions. In terms of the impact of drought from the Mekong River crisis on the environment, the findings showed a significant reduction in aquatic life and water levels dropping to the extent that large ships could not sail. Other impacts included insufficient water for agriculture and additional environmental issues. The economic impacts highlighted trade disruptions, followed by other economic challenges and effects on the tourism sector.
            The positive social impacts of the Mekong River revealed increased use of technology for communication, followed by knowledge and experience sharing. There has also been a widespread movement for conserving natural resources and the environment, community learning to protect their interests and rights, and cooperation and information sharing in public health, environmental, and natural disaster matters. As for the negative social impacts, there has been an increase in illegal transportation, followed by labor migration and urbanization, which has led to individualism, a sense of division, and a lack of trust and mutual care among people. Communities have become more culturally diverse, resulting in environmental problems, waste, and pollution due to the expansion of industrial factories. Cultural, religious, and ethnic differences have posed significant obstacles to developing a shared ASEAN identity. Child labor may increase alongside intensified economic activities and heightened commercial competition. Farmers have protested due to market competition affecting their products. Lastly, the crisis of the Mekong River was found to have no significant impact on public health.