Indochina Area Research Articles

Future Challenges of China-Lao Railway on Lao’s Economic and Social Development

This paper tends to examine the impact and challenge of the China-Lao Railway that has been operating since December 2021 on Lao’s economic and social development. As a landlocked country, Lao has been facing difficulties in boosting its economic and human improvement due to the lack of infrastructure and development capacity. However, Lao is also geographically strategic because its position is in the middle of the Indo-China area. It makes Lao eagerly wants to be a land-linked country through the railway that connects China and other countries in the region. Under the project Belt and Road Initiative, Lao, for the first time, has a high-speed railway that links the capital city, Vientiane, and Boten, the China-Lao border, and further connects Kunming, the Chinese provincial capital. After one year of implementation, the positive impact has been felt by Laotians such as the tourism sectors, goods flow, and education sectors. However, land compensation and environmental issue are the negative impacts that Laotians encounter. Lao also might face some challenges to sustaining this railway’s benefits namely a debt trap, transnational crime, and severe corruption.

MODIS-derived fire spatial and temporal distribution during haze season in Southeast Asia using empirical orthogonal function

One of the efforts to control the forest and land fire disasters which affect on the biomass burning haze is fire hotspots monitoring. Biomass burning haze in Southeast Asia (SEA) has become a recurring annual issue. This study aims to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of fire hotspots along SEA, so that it can serve as guidance for efforts to control them. The hotspot data used is derived from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) MODIS sensors which is collected from 2001-2020. Spatial analysis of the re-gridded data shows the highest burning activities over SEA occurred in Feb-Apr, with >2000 fire events in the Indo-China area and >1000 fire events in Sumatra and Borneo. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) was performed on monthly total hotspot data for 228 months for determining dominant patterns spatially and temporally. Based on the EOF analysis results, the three major modes have achieved a total variance of 71 %. The first mode (EOF1) explains 65 % of the total variance. The second (EOF2) and third (EOF3) modes account for 3.60 % and 2.97 % of the total variance respectively. The first and the third principal component identified high loadings over the Indo-China and Sumatra-Borneo regions respectively. Whereas the second principal component separates the fire areas into China and Indo-China region. Inter-annual pattern is dominant in the EOF1, while the inter-seasonal pattern is dominant in EOF2 and EOF3. ENSO, IOD, and MJO are factors that influence the pattern of the determined principal components. The result of this study provides general understanding on how the fire events varied over the past two decades in SEA.

Deformation patterns and potential active movements of the Fansipan mountain range, northern Vietnam

Located in northern Vietnam, the Fansipan mountain range is the highest topography in the Indochina area. Until recently, there has been limited research regarding the tectonic deformation of the Fansipan mountain range and whether there are notable surface ruptures or active faults in the area. This study provides the first insight into the deformation patterns and potential active movements of the Fansipan mountain range, and may improve our understanding of the overall tectonic activities in northern Vietnam. Our observations from ASTER 30-m DEM show a symmetrical mountain form in the north and an asymmetrical form in the south. The analysis of river profiles indicates similar patterns on both sides in the north and different patterns in the south with short and steep rivers on the SW side and long and gentle rivers on the NE side. The results of the normalized steepness index (ksn) also show higher values on the SW side of the south part than the values from the other sides. These results suggest a spatial variation in rock uplift patterns of the Fansipan mountain range. Notably, the mountain front of the SW side of the southern Fansipan mountain range is associated with the Phong Tho-Nam Pia normal fault, suggesting that the normal faulting activity likely played an important role in tectonic uplift of this high mountain range. Our investigation of the stress field using fault kinematics indicates that the Fansipan mountain range and its surrounding areas are undergoing an inhomogeneous mixture of strike-slip and normal faulting. It is proposed that the strike-slip and normal motions alternated because of a permutation of σ1/σ2 under the same extensional stress regime of approximately NE–SW σ3. This kinematic pattern may effectively control the recent tectonic movements in northern Vietnam.

THE ROLE OF INDONESIA IN CREATING PEACE IN CAMBODIA: 1979-1992

The 1979-1992 conflicts were a thorn in the flesh for the peace in the Indochina area, and the Southeast Asia area. Because Indonesia is part of the countries in Southeast Asia, it is reasonable if Indonesia contributes to creating peace in Cambodia. Therefore, this study tried to find out the beginning of the conflict in Cambodia, to know the role of Indonesia in realizing peace in Cambodia in 1979-1992, and to understand how the impact of Cambodia peace for Indonesia in particular and Southeast Asia in general. The conflict in Cambodia caused political uncertainty in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia countries attempted either independently or within the framework of ASEAN to resolve the conflict. Indonesia’s extraordinary contribution assisted in the peace in Cambodia, both through ASEAN and the United Nations. Indonesia as the representative of ASEAN, has successfully held several important meetings as a solution to solving Cambodia's problems. Successive is Ho Chi Minh City Understanding (1987), and Jakarta Informal Meeting (JIM) I and II (1988-1989). In the United Nations Framework, the Indonesian Foreign Minister and the French Foreign Minister were appointed Chairman, at the 1989 Paris International Conference on Cambodia (PICC-Paris International Conference on Cambodia). On 23 October 1991 the PICC was re-organized and resulted in the Paris Agreement as the culmination of a joint success to end conflict in Cambodia.

The Effects of Franco-Siamese Treaties on Ubon Ratchathani Urban Landscape Transformation

In the written history, Ubon Ratchathani, most documents point out that the urban areas have developed and changed because of the administrative reforms from Bangkok since the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V. While this domestic cause has certainly been at play, there is another cause connected to foreign colonisation of the Indochina area. French troops forced Siam to accept the Franco-Siamese treaty in 1893, which affected the boundaries of Siam near the Mekong River. This article will address the effects of Franco-Siamese treaties on the Ubon Ratchathani urban landscape, and will highlight the urban elements which currently contribute to the urban attributes.

Screening and application of microsatellite markers for genetic diversity analysis of captive eastern sarus crane Grus antigone sharpii Blanford, 1895 in Thailand.

The eastern sarus crane, Grus antigone sharpii, is distributed in the Indochina area, though it has become extinct in Thailand. The Thai government has tried to repopulate the cranes using wild individuals from Cambodia as initial breeding stock. Although captive breeding can reintroduce species back into the wild, the genetic diversity of the population is also important. This study aimed to screen microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic diversity of G. a. sharpii from two breeding facilities in Thailand and to assess its potential for future conservation programs. Eighteen microsatellite loci isolated from whooping crane (G. americana) and blue crane (Anthropoides paradisea) were screened in all captive reared cranes from Khao Kheow Open Zoo (n = 11) and Bangpra Water Bird Breeding Station (n = 17), Chonburi Province. Of 18 loci analyzed, 14 were found to be polymorphic, and 3 loci were in linkage disequilibrium. Apparent deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed only at locus Gram8, resulting from the presence of a null allele. The average expected and observed heterozygosities from 10 loci analyzed are 0.61 and 0.64, respectively. The overall fixation index suggested that cranes from both facilities shared many common alleles (FST = 0.023, p < 0.05); in addition, Bayesian clustering analysis implied that cranes from two breeding facilities are homogeneous (K = 1). Our findings reveal high level of genetic diversity of the captive crane population in Thailand and suggest that the breeding stocks may be suitable for ensuring a sustainable breeding program in the future.

Secondary Ecological Succession of Landscapes of Boundary Indochina Area, Vietnam

Abstract: Secondary ecological succession (including anthropogenic succession) is characteristic of landscape on each region and boundary Indochina area is no exception. Transformation of landscape in boundary Indochina area is strong. In the period of 2005-2015 years, the landscape units, especially kinds of landscape has changed very strongly; has lost 17 kinds, formed 13 new kinds of landscapes. The other kinds are change quite strongly in size and quality.&#x0D; From the 1960s to the present, under the influence of chemical war and other human impacts, many landscape units have experienced 3 to 4 stages, from evergreen tropical forest or primeval forest with dominance of Dipterocarpacea through intermediate periods so that they are man-made forest, industrial plants or shrub.&#x0D; Human activities continue to be a maint element in the transformation and direction of landscapes in boundary Indochina area. The wisely behavior with appropriate measures will be the key to maintain, to form landscapes, that have economic and environmental efficiency in this area in the coming time.&#x0D;

Introgression Threatens the Genetic Diversity of Quercus austrocochinchinensis (Fagaceae), an Endangered Oak: A Case Inferred by Molecular Markers.

Natural introgression can cause negative effects where rare species experience genetic assimilation and invade by their abundant congeners. Quercus austrocochinchinensis and Q. kerrii (subgenus Cyclobalanopsis) are a pair of closely related species in the Indo-China area. Morphological intermediates of the two species have been reported in this region. In this study, we used AFLP, SSR and two key leaf morphological diagnostic traits to study the two Q. austrocochinchinensis populations, two pure Q. kerrii and two putative hybrid populations in China. Rates of individual admixture were examined using the Bayesian clustering programs STRUCTURE and NewHybrids, with no a priori species assignment. In total, we obtained 151 SSR alleles and 781 polymorphic loci of AFLP markers. Population differentiation inferred by SSR and AFLP was incoherent with recognized species boundaries. Bayesian admixture analyses and principal coordinate analysis identified more hybrids and backcrossed individuals than morphological intermediates in the populations. SSR inferred a wide genetic assimilation in Q. austrocochinchinensis, except for subpopulation D2 in the core area of Xi-Shuang-Ban-Na Nature Reserve (XSBN). However, AFLP recognized more Q. austrocochinchinensis purebreds than SSR. Analysis using NewHybrids on AFLP data indicated that these hybridized individuals were few F2 and predominantly backcrosses with both parental species. All these evidences indicate the formation of a hybrid swarm at XSBN where the two species co-exist. Both AFLP and SSR recognized that the core protected area of XSBN (D2) has a high percentage of Q. austrocochinchinensis purebreds and a unique germplasm. The Hainan population and the other subpopulations of XSBN of the species might have lost their genetic integrity. Our results revealed a clear genetic differentiation in the populations and subpopulations of Q. austrocochinchinensis and ongoing introgression between Q. austrocochinchinensis and Q. kerrii at the disturbed contact areas. Combining the results from genetic and morphological analyses, the conservation of subpopulation D2 should be prioritized. Conservation and restoration of the integrity of tropical ravine rainforest is an important long-term goal for the successful conservation of Q. austrocochinchinensis. The fine-scale landscape might play an essential role in shaping the spatial patterns of hybridization. Further studies are needed to evaluate these patterns and dynamics.

Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Opisthorchiasis: A Story of Cholangiocarcinoma in the Highly Endemic Area

Dear Editor, Cholangiocarcinoma is an important hepatobiliary cancer. It is considered a deadly cancer. This cancer is very common in Indochina area and there are several deaths due to this cancer every year. This cancer is usually late detected. The patients usually present with severe obstructive jaundice. The advanced cancer is usually seen at first diagnosis and it is usually a non resectable mass. Hence, only palliative care is usually provided to the patients with cholangiocarcinoma. The main endemic countries of cholangiocarcinoma are Laos People’s Democratic Republic and Thailand (1). Hundreds of new cases of cholangiocarcinoma are registered in the endemic area (1). The prevention of the cholangiocarcinoma becomes the regional public health policy. It is accepted that chronic opisthorchiasis is the main risk factor of cholangiocarcinoma in this region (1). Of interest, opisthorchiasis is a fluke infestation. The infestation is usually a result of intake of contaminated fresh water fish that is not well cooked. Of interest, raw fish dish is a common local dish in the endemic area, Indochina. In the endemic area, there is a campaign to promote cancer prevention by avoidance of raw fish intake (2). However, there are many additional factors that can promote the cholangiocarcinogenesis including exposure to nitrosamine contamination in local food (3, 4) and exposure to contaminated pesticide in local food (3, 4). An important possible risk is the concurrent infection. Indeed, there are many tropical infections in the endemic area and some might be considered as risk for promoting cholangiocarcinogenesis. For example, concurrent hepatitis B infection is proved to be a risk (5, 6). It is noted that there is a very high rate of hepatitis B seropositive among patients with cholangiocarcinoma (5, 6). Indeed, the concurrent viral infection should be specially focused on since many viruses are proved to have the cytopathogenic effect. In fact, the virus infection is proved for induction of carcinogenesis in many cancers such as uterine cervix cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer and hepatocellular cancer. Hence, it is no doubt that the virus infection might have possible role in carcinogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma. Of several viruses, the Epstein-Barr virus should be mentioned. In oncology, Epstein-Barr virus infection is proved for relationship to carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal cancer. Focusing on cholangiocarcinoma, there are many reports indicating that Epstein-Barr virus infection might cause cellular aberration and this can superimpose the pathology due to chronic opisthorchiasis resulting in increased chance of cholangiocarcinoma development (7). It should be hereby noted that Epstein-Barr virus infection does not directly induce the carcinogenesis of biliary tract but its cytopathogenic effect superimpose the problem (7, 8). Focusing on Epstein-Barr virus infection, the seroprevalence of this infection is also extremely high in the Indochinese endemic area of opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma (9). However, there has never been a study on the possible interrelationship between Epstein-Barr virus infection, opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma in the Indochinese endemic area. Since the Epstein-Barr virus infection is also a disease that relating to poor hygiene (10), the promotion of hygienic behavior and avoidance of oral contact to others to prevent the concurrent Epstein-Barr virus infection should also be suggested to the local people in in the Indochinese endemic area of cholangiocarcinoma.

The tectonic structure of the Song Ma fault zone, Vietnam

Indochina area is a tectonic active region where creates complex topographies and tectonic structures. In particular, the Song Ma fault zone plays an important role in understanding the mechanism and revolution of the collision between the Indian plate and Eurasian plate. In order to have better understanding the seismotectonic structures of the Song Ma fault zone, a three-year project is proposed to study the seismotectonic structures of crust in this region. The main goal of this project is to deploy temporary broad-band seismic stations around/near the shear zone to record high quality microearthquakes. By using the data recorded by the temporary array and the local seismic network, we are able to conduct seismological studies which include using waveform inversion to obtain precise fault plane solutions of microearthquakes, one-dimensional (1-D) velocity structure of the crust in the region as well as the characteristics of seismogeneric zone. From the results of earthquake relocation and focal mechanisms, we find that the spatial distribution of events occurred in Song Ma fault zone forms in several distinct groups which are well correlated local geological structures and further use to gain insights on tectonic evolution.

A consideration for developing a dry port system in Indochina area

Dry ports are intermodal transport hubs in the inland, which operate as centres for the transshipment of sea cargo to inland destinations. They could make the import and export easier and increase trade. This paper considers conditions to construct them in the Indochina area including three countries Vietnam, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) and Cambodia. Accordingly, the general characteristics of dry ports and the conditions to develop them are reviewed. Transportation systems in the Indochina area are then analysed. Consequently, a suggested dry port system is presented, which promises to bring many benefits for the Indochina region. Finally, some conclusions and suggestions are presented.

Half-hourly Rainfall Monitoring over the Indochina Area from MTSAT Infrared Measurements: Development of Rain Estimation Algorithm using an Artificial Neural Network

Summary and Discussion To estimate rain rates over the Indochina regionwhere highly populated residential areas are prone tonatural disasters, in particular those associated withheavy rainfall, we developed an ANN-based retrievalalgorithm. The method was developed by training theIR-based cloud top temperature and the temperaturedifference between the 11-µm and water vaporchannels against collocated PMW-based rain ratesusing the counter propagation network, which consistsof three layers and a linear output layer. The surfacetype and geographical location were also included asinitial inputs. We aimed to produce surface rain rateswith a 0.04 o ×0.04 o grid area and a 30-minute timeinterval from the Japanese geostationary satelliteMTSAT measurements. Training was carried out foreach individual month from June to September 2005,and the results were applied to the same months for2006.The results for the June to September 2006 rainyseason reveal that the ANN technique appears toenhance our capability for rain estimation fromgeostationary satellite imagery over the Indochinaregion, in terms of output quality and temporalresolution. It has also been shown that instantaneousrain rates with a 0.25

Genetic Analysis of Wild Polioviruses towards the Eradication of Poliomyelitis from the Western Pacific Region

Since a laboratory network to eradicate poliomyelitis in the Western Pacific Region started in 1991, the Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, has been functioning as a Regional Reference Laboratory. From 1992 to 1998, we examined 5453 stool samples collected from 3501 patients with acute flaccid paralysis in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and we isolated 392-type 1 and 10-type 3 wild polioviruses. As a result of the extensive immunization during this time in this area, the numbers of poliomyelitis cases by wild polioviruses have drastically decreased. In 1997, only nine type 1 wild polioviruses were isolated. Eight out of the nine cases were found in Cambodia, and one was in mid-Vietnam. Since then no wild polioviruses have been isolated in the Western Pacific Region for more than two years. A nucleotide sequence analysis of these 1997 isolates indicated that they all belonged to the same strain that has been prevailing in the Indochina area, suggesting the complete interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in the region.

Mineral development prospects of the Indochina area

Reform is under way in several nations within the Indochina area to stimulate economic growth and foreign investment. Though once forbidden, participation by foreign companies in mining exploration and development activities in Myanmar, Kampuchea, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam is now being solicited by the respective governments. This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of mineral and energy resources in the region and outlines possible development scenarios based on economic policies, financial and infrastructural constraints and industry interest. The investment climates for resource‐related projects are assessed qualitatively by country. Clearly, the long‐term development potential of mineral and energy resources in the Indochina area is large, and the potential gains outweigh any of today's problems.

The New Multipolar Balance in East Asia: Implications for United States Policy

A new four-power balance is emerging in East Asia. This is the product of the Sino-Soviet conflict, the re-emergence of Japan, and the trend toward a reduced United States military role in the region. The balance will create new problems, but new opportunities as well. It will involve increased fluidity, competition, and maneuver. Yet, in a basic sense, the balance may prove to be relatively stable, because dramatic realignments among the major powers in the region do not seem likely in the next decade. Hopefully, the balance may tend to reduce the dangers of local conflicts escalating into confrontations between major powers. Some developments, such as a Sino-Soviet war, a decision by Japan to "go nuclear," or increased big-power confrontation in the Indo-China area, could upset the balance. However, if these dangers can be avoided, the new quadrilateral balance may over time prove to be an improvement over the bipolar balance of the past. Virtually every country in the region will have to reassess its situation, interests, and policies, in some respects. The United States should move to implement the Guam Doctrine and adjust its policies toward China. It should maintain its alliance with Japan and the stability of U.S.-Soviet strategic relations, but it should use what influence it can to prevent a Sino-Soviet war or a decision by Japan to acquire nuclear weapons.