The case study focuses on three problems emerging from industrial development that cause the disruption of community's natural and social environment in the Lower Ing River basin in Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand: namely the operation of eleven Mekong dams in China and the development of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Chiang Khong District. First, the existence of dams in China has seriously caused environmental damages in the Lower Mekong Basin in northern Thailand and other sub-regions. Studies have shown that operations of these Chinese dams have created longer and more severe droughts causing damages to fish spawning areas, sediments, and downstream community livelihoods. Villagers at Baan Boon Ruang, Tambon Boon Ruang in Chiang Khong District have reported that, during the last decade, the Chinese hydropower dams have affected fish migration and spawn distribution. 

Then, the planned development of SEZ and an industrial estate in Chiang Khong District have stirred negative reactions from villagers, as the plan could most likely jeopardize vast areas of 26 wetlands in the Lower Ing River basin. The seasonal wetland at Baan Boon Ruang alone is nearly 600 hectares making it one of the largest and most fertile wetlands in Thailand. In the past, Baan Boon Ruang was threatened by three industrial projects, from rice mill and tobacco curing factory, to the government land allocation plan, and the policy of developing SEZ (2015-2017). It is often feared that the development plans would severely cause deforestation and other environmental problems. Villagers from Baan Boon Ruang have come together in unison to protect their wetland and their own community, so much so that they received the Equator Prize in 2020.