Chiang Rai: The governor of this northern province insists the government has no plans to blast rapids and rocky outcrops in the Mekong River amid staunch resistance from local residents.

Governor Boonsong Techamaneesathit said Thursday the upper Mekong navigation improvement project is designed to turn the river into a smooth flowing channel for cargo boats.

The project brings together Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and China with the joint committee on coordination of commercial navigation on the Lancang-Mekong River set up to oversee the project, which stretches for 800 kilometres from China's southern region of Yunan to Luang Prabang of Laos.

China began the first phase of the project, blasting about eleven reefs and islands in the upper Mekong River to allow navigation for ships of at least 100 tonnes.

For the second phase, which aims to dredge the river and blast another 51 rocky outcrops, a Chinese concessionaire is surveying nine islands in Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong districts of Chiang Rai.

Mr Boonsong said the permanent secretary for the interior told him the government had not made any agreement regarding the blasting of rocks in the river in Chiang Rai.

Local officials, kamnan, and village heads have been instructed to provide residents and the media with correct information, Mr Boonsong said, adding that any decisions made by the government would be based on the country's best interests.

Acting director of Chiang Rai's marine office Suranat Sirichok said the cabinet last Dec 27 resolved to permit a survey of the Mekong River from the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen district to Wiang Kaen district of Chiang Rai.

The cabinet resolution, however, has caused a misunderstanding among residents and environmental groups, leading to opposition.

Mr Suranat insisted that no rock-blasting has been allowed in the river's sections in Thailand, adding the four countries which share the upper reaches of river -- Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and China -- have made an agreement governing its development.

Under the agreement, the results of studies or surveys of the river must be discussed first before a development plan can proceed, Mr Suranat said.

In the case of Thailand, when the survey approved by the Dec 27 cabinet resolution is completed, the findings must be presented for cabinet consideration again to ensure the river development will not have an adverse environmental impact, he said.

There is no knowing if the islands will be blasted as the survey has not even started, he added.

A network of local environmentalists will organise a campaign to protest against the project on Feb 5 in Chiang Khong district.

A fellow from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) has warned the country stands to lose more than it gains if it joins China in blowing up rapids in the Mekong River.

TDRI senior research fellow Saowaruj Rattanakhamfu said the value of goods crossing the border at the Chiang Saen and Chiang Kong district checkpoints is worth only 3% of total border trade.