'Burma Now' Forum: Transnational Investment and the Environment, Friday 31 August, 1 p.m. @ Chiang Mai University

The fourth (and possibly final) installment in the "Burma Now: Assessing The Reforms" forum series, organized by The Best Friend and RCSD Chiang Mai University, will take place this Friday, 31 August, from 1–4:30 p.m. at CMU's Faculty of Social Sciences Operational Building in the Fourth Floor Meeting Room. In this section of the forum, our special presenters and attendees will discuss the politics and regional ramifications of the easing of sanctions, transnational investment, mega-projects, and Burma's environment.

We are pleased to welcome Phil Robertson, Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division, who will provide an overview of the current situation of investment and human rights in Burma. Other presenters include Sai Sai of the Burma Rivers Network on the effect of investment on the peace process in ethnic conflict zones, Wong Aung of Shwe Gas Movement on the impacts of China's trans-Burma oil and gas pipeline projects, and Montree Chantawong of TERRA on Thailand's investments and proposed mega-projects in Burma. The presentations will be followed by time for discussion and a question-and-answer session with the speakers.

As always, this forum is free and open to the public. Attendance at previous "Burma Now" forum sessions is not at all required, as the topics of each session are different and independent.