Niwat Roykaew, also known as "Kru Thi", is a Thai environmental activist known for his efforts to protect the Mekong river from the negative impacts of development projects.
He is the founder of the Chiang Kong Conservation Group, a network of 30 Thai villages seeking to address environmental and social issues caused by development along the Mekong.
However, the Mekong has faced threats from development projects, particularly dam construction, which can disrupt the natural flow of the river and have negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
He also voiced his opposition to the project to Thai government ministries and parliamentary committees, highlighting the potential negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
[6][8] In 2022, Roykaew was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, often referred to as the "Green Nobel", in recognition of his efforts to protect the Mekong River and the rights of local communities.