Thai Communities Appeal Xayaburi Lawsuit Verdict at Supreme Administrative Court

Lawyers for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the Xayaburi Dam’s Power Purchase Agreement, filed an appeal today with Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court to reverse the ruling by the Administrative Court, who dismissed the case on December 25, 2015. The appeal asks that the Supreme Court order the lower court to re-examine the case, in recognition of the severe transboundary impacts of the Xayaburi Dam on communities in Thailand.

Through the appeal, the plaintiffs are seeking an order from the Administrative Court, to ensure that the five state agencies responsible for approval of the Xayaburi Dam’s Power Purchase Agreement comply with Thai laws and regulations; including the requirement to carry out a transboundary health and environmental impact assessment, as well as adequate information disclosure and consultations with affected communities.

It was the Supreme Administrative Court who initially accepted the case in June 2014, overturning the previous decision of the Administrative Court who had denied jurisdiction to hear the case. In accepting the case, the Court publicly acknowledged the transboundary impacts of the Xayaburi Dam, and the threat posed by the project to the environment, livelihoods and community interest, particularly in Thailand.

Thapanee Muangkot, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit who traveled from a village along the Mekong River in Nakorn Phnom province, said that she still believes in Thailand’s justice system. She believes that the Court will take the necessary steps to protect the rights of affected people: “I trust in the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2014, that first accepted this case and recognized the transboundary impacts from the Xayaburi Dam,” She said. “This case is for the benefit of all Thai people; and for the future of the Mekong River as a whole.”