Narrow Results

This paper examines the trade of machinery parts and components between Thailand and the other Mekong countries though gravity model, for the purpose of assessing the existing production networks in Mekong region by applying fragmentation theory. The findings are: First, the evolution of production networks between Thailand and Vietnam was identified in terms of their two-way trade integration. Second, the trade intensity between Thailand and Vietnam was explained by the fragmentation factors, i.e., their gaps in per capita GDP and the relatively lower service-link costs in Vietnam. Third, the trade less-integration of Thailand with Cambodia and Myanmar was explained by their higher service-link costs.

This research examines the carbon capture potential and timber production outcomes of conventional logging (CVL) and reduced impact logging (RIL) in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2050, showing that CVL resulted in approximately 4590.9 TgCO₂ in carbon emissions during the study period, while RIL demonstrated a notable annual reduction of 10.9 TgCO₂ in carbon emissions, alongside sustainable annual production of 11.4 million m3 of wood. Plantation forests (PF) contributed to an annual carbon removal of 58.69 TgCO₂ over the course of the study. Implementing forest management practices in the Mekong may also generate significant carbon revenues, estimated at USD 3,500.07 million within the Paris Agreement period 2020–2030, contingent upon prevailing carbon pricing mechanisms. Embracing sustainable forest management (SFM) and restoration strategies, with emphasis on RIL, may drive improvements in quality of wood products, waste reduction, and natural carbon capture enhancement.

Using the notion of externality games with issue linkage, this chapter demonstrates the advantages of issue linkage for the Mekong region in achieving a more efficient, more stable basin agreement. In a game that includes the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) States and China, it is shown that the LMB states can benefit more from issue linkages. In particular, linking issues of water flow to the Lower Mekong with issues of regional trading will increase likelihood of regional cooperation.