"Planned hydropower projects on the Thanlwin river are still in the early stages, according to Ministry of Electric Power officials, disputing claims in Thai media that a memorandum of understanding for one project will be signed later this year. Thai newspaper The Nation reported on July 15 that Thailand, Myanmar and China are to sign a memorandum of understanding to develop a 7000 megawatt project on the upper Thanlwin at Mong Ton, citing Thai energy minister Narongchai Akrasanee. The article said Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand International and China?s Three Gorges would both hold 40 percent stakes, while the Myanmar government would hold the remaining 20pc. The plan was for 10pc of the output to kept in Myanmar and 90pc exported to Thailand, the article said. However, Myanmar authorities said projects on the Thanlwin ? also known as the Salween ? river have been delayed for a number of reasons, with several memorandums of understanding already signed but little progress having been made..."