This month, English-language media both in Thailand and abroad revealed studies which showed that Chinese dams in the Upper Mekong was causing drought and other environmental and ecological problems downstream.
We wrote, “one of the worst droughts in the last 40 years in Thailand has been exacerbated by the Chinese government which has been intentionally holding water in its Mekong river dams, a new study says.”
Reuters and the New York Times also did stories.
The issues raised by the study is interesting and myriad, not least of which is how to approach such a diplomatic conundrum and what route Thailand must take to protect its people, their livelihoods and our environment.
But while the study calcified theories put forth by many analysts, it is hardly a new idea.
Reporting by outlets like Reuters, as recently as late last year, have hypothesized that upstream dams in China have contributed to drought conditions in Thailand and our neighbours.
Thai Media
Thai media however share none of these critiques or concerns, ready instead to praise the Prayut administration and their partners in Beijing.
The Daily News wrote in its coverage in January:
“China has decided to help Thailand after the Prime Minister sent Don [Pramudwinai, Foreign Minister] to China to talk about drought in the Mekong.
The Nation wrote in March:
“China releases more water to help Thailand combat drought”
While Manager Online wrote in February:
“Good News! China will release water from its dams to help Thailand and its neighbours fight drought.
Contradicting the truth
These headlines, while laughable, do a disservice to their readers for two reasons.
First, not only has the drought not gotten better in Thailand since the start of the year, it has actually gotten worse. The drought in North East Thailand is the worst the country has seen in nearly 40 years and its economic impact cannot be underestimated.
Secondly, this pro-Beijing line by the Thai media comes at a time when our relationship with China must be scrutinized more than ever. China’s role in the spread of coronavirus both in its suppression of the World Health Organization and its lack of reporting in the early stages of the outbreak means that in regards to Beijing trust must be earned and not given.
Yet the Thai pro-establishment media seem incapable of critically assessing Beijing.
This begs the question whether Chinese soft power has completely taken over our media sector.