Molle François auteur aut IRD Floch P. auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access Large-scale development of irrigation has long been an attractive option of postwar development, and the Mekong region has been no exception. Thailand has developed approximately four million hectares of irrigated land, and its northeastern region (Isaan)-both the driest and poorest part of the country-has been the target of many water projects. However, "full development" of its potential has been constrained by the lack of storage sites and the difficulty of diverting water from the Mekong River. Several ambitious projects have been discussed during the last 50 y, all of which have been aimed at "greening Isaan." In 2003, the Thai administration launched the idea of a national "water grid" that would triple the area of irrigated land in the country. This paper analyzes the emergence of this megaproject, its governance, and its economic and environmental soundness. specialized 098 021 37 3 199-204 2008 0044-7447 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010056500 10.1579/0044-7447(2008)37[199:MASAEC]2.0.CO;2 0044-7447 [F B010056500] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010056500 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/depot/2012-07-26/010056500.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2008-08-08 2017-08-23 fdi:010056500 fre