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The FAO/SEAFDEC Workshop on Principles of Improved Fish Passage at Cross-river Obstacles, with Relevance to Southeast Asia was held in Khon Kaen, Thailand, in March 2013. In this workshop participated representatives from agencies responsible for fisheries and/or construction/operation of cross-river obstacles from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, as well as the SEAFDEC Secretary-General and officers of the SEAFDEC Secretariat and Training Department, and representatives from the Mekong River Commission (MRC). Country reports on fish passage issues in the participating countries were presented by the participants. Knowledge on fish passage from both the biological and the engineering perspectives, including basic aspect on fish biology and behaviour relevant to fish migration, different types of fish passage facilities, ecological and hydrological requirements for enhancing the effectiveness of fish passages, as well as the monitoring, evaluation and maintenance of fish passages, was presented. Although the known facts are mainly derived from studies in North America and Europe, basic aspects can serve as “food for thought” also in other regions, including Southeast Asia. Information provided and designs presented should, however, under no circumstances just be copied but have to be adapted to local conditions (taking into due consideration the species present) while respecting the important basic design criteria which are valid for all passes of the same type at all locations, whether in Europe, North America or Asia. Importantly, this workshop must not be seen as an encouragement to construct new dams because the principles of the design and construction of fish passage facilities are known.