Episode 6: The Mekong River and Water Security

In Southeast Asia, the Mekong delta, known as the ‘ricebowl’ of the region, is under threat from climate change and competing interests of countries. Geopolitics is also increasingly shaping the region, as China and the US compete to extend their influence and strategic interests. Adding to the complexity, the border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia, and the Myanmar crisis after the military coup in 2021, has also resulted in increased tensions over water resources. We speak with Dr Anoulak Kittikhoun, advisor to Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Lao PDR; and Visiting Scholar at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS on water security and the Mekong River.