On November 26, 2024, Theun-Hinboun Power Company Limited (THPC) hosted a ceremony at the Holiday Inn & Suites Hotel in Vientiane Capital to mark the successful fulfillment of its social obligations under the Theun-Hinboun Expansion Project. The event was attended by senior leaders from relevant ministries, deputy governors, officials from Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces, representatives from Khamkeut, Khounkham, and Hinboun districts (Resettlement and Rehabilitation Committee), financial institution representatives, the Board of Directors, employees of THPC, and other invited guests. 

During the ceremony, Mr. Jyxiong Juevaxaiki, Managing Director of THPC, outlined the key achievements of the expansion project. He noted that the construction of the Theun-Hinboun Expansion Project led to the resettlement of 12 villages along the Nam Nguang River to four new villages in Khamkeut District from 2009 to 2011. Furthermore, 22 villages along the Nam Hai and Nam Hinboun Rivers, as well as one village near the NG Dam’s powerhouse, were relocated to nine newly established villages between 2010 and 2017.

Since 2007, THPC has worked closely with all levels of government to plan and execute joint activities, investing more than US$120 million in fulfilling its social and environmental obligations, in line with the terms of the license agreement. The social obligations have included a broad spectrum of activities such as: Data collection and asset compensation, Resettlement and infrastructure construction and maintenance, Livelihood rehabilitation programs, Health and education support programs, Assistance to disadvantaged families, Empowerment of women, ethnic groups, and village authorities in resettled areas, facilitating access to sustainable living and livelihood opportunities, improving living conditions, and generating income for affected communities.

With the successful completion of all social obligations under the license agreement, Mr. Jyxiong reaffirmed THPC’s commitment to implement community development programs beyond the requirement of the license agreement. Since 2018, the company has invested in 334 projects across 33 target villages, with a total budget of 20,560,574,000 kip, as part of its 10-year Social and Environmental Management Plan (SEMPO) during the operational phase.

In his remarks, Dr. Somsa-art Ounsida, Vice Governor of Khammouane Province, and Mr. Khamhong Panyanouvong, Vice Governor of Bolikhamxay Province, who both serve as Chairs of the Resettlement Committee, congratulated THPC for successfully fulfilling 100% of its social obligations under the license agreement. They encouraged the company to continue its environmental and development work to further improve the socio-economic well-being of local communities.

During the ceremony, the Ministry of Energy and Mines awarded a ministerial certificate to THPC in recognition of its outstanding implementation of obligations under the license agreement in 2023.

THPC is committed to being a model for sustainable hydropower development and operation in Laos, ensuring that the benefits of the project are shared with the government, shareholders, and local communities.