Rising River Levels Threaten Communities
Chiang Rai Faces Severe Flooding
On July 29, 2025, northern and northeastern Thailand grappled with worsening floods as heavy rainfall caused major rivers to swell, particularly in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district along the Sai River. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued urgent alerts for residents near the Kok River in Muang district to move belongings to higher ground, with water levels rising rapidly at 5-8 centimeters per hour, threatening tambons like Huai Chom Phu and Rim Kok.
Landslide and Runoff Warnings Issued
Seven Provinces on High Alert
The Department of Mineral Resources warned of potential landslides and forest runoff in seven northern provinces—Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, and Phrae—following 150 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours. In Mae Hong Son, the Pai River exceeded critical levels, flooding agricultural areas in tambons Pang Moo and Pha Bong, though officials deemed evacuations unnecessary due to seasonal patterns exacerbated by Tropical Storm Wipha.
Cleanup Efforts Underway
Debris Clogs Affected Areas
In Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, floodwaters from the Sai River have begun to recede, leaving behind debris like plastic waste and timber. Clearing operations are ongoing to restore affected communities. Meanwhile, in Nan’s Chaloem Phra Kiat district, persistent rain has triggered forest runoff and damaged roads, prompting authorities to advise motorists to check routes for safety before traveling.
Mekong River Overflows in Nakhon Phanom
Northeastern Province Hit Hard
In Nakhon Phanom, the Mekong River surpassed its 12-meter critical level, flooding a five-kilometer stretch of Sawan Chai Kong Road in Muang district. Local vendors and residents scrambled to relocate property as agricultural areas were inundated. The flooding, worsened by early seasonal rains, underscores the region’s vulnerability and the need for robust disaster response measures.
