05 May 2002

PAK MOON

Residents from five villages in Ubon Ratchathani are celebrating the opening of Pak Moon dam's eight sluice gates and the return of an islet submerged for almost a decade.

``It seems that we have got our lives back,'' said resident Thongkham Somboon. As water levels recede amid summer drought, an islet in the middle of the river has appeared.

Tadhai islet, covering about 100 rai, had been underwater for almost 10 years after the dam was built.

Mr Thongkham recently joined hundreds of residents from tambon Saimoon in Phibun Mangsahan to celebrate the opening of the dam's gates.

The ceremony, called suebchata maenam, was held along the river opposite the islet. Three monks conducted the ceremony.

Cabinet decided to open the gates last June after protests by dam opponents. Protesters said opening the gates would restore ecology allegedly damaged by the dam.

Fong Phukhaothong, a resident of Khanraitai village, said the river was the main source of water for local people.

``Aquatic animals and the variety of fish have increased since the gates opened last year. Where once we spent 200 baht a day buying food to feed our families, now residents can make a living from fishing,'' said Mr Fong.

Nian Saengdaeng, of Tha Siew village, said families could now save 10,000-20,000 a year.

``Before we had to buy salted fish from a local market. Now we can catch fish,'' said Mrs Nian.

Mun Khamwong, a native of Hua Don Saimoon village, said villagers earned about 100-200 baht a day from fishing.