A municipal official elaborated on the comprehensive plan to address the flood damage in Chiang Mai city during an assembly for workers set to commence their duties on Friday. (Photo: Chiang Mai Municipality Facebook account)
Workers have embarked on a dedicated campaign to cleanse the streets and gather debris across downtown Chiang Mai following the receding floodwaters in several commercial zones. The Chiang Mai Municipality launched the initiative at 5pm on Friday with the aim of rejuvenating economic activities in this typically bustling northern tourism hub. The effort is strategically divided into five zones, encompassing areas adjacent to the Naowarat Bridge and the illustrious Night Bazaar.
A chief priority involves collecting the plethora of debris and garbage transported into the city by floods that surged over the banks of the Ping River. Although conditions have improved in certain parts of the city earmarked for cleaning, the municipality urged residents to remain vigilant. The river still bears a red flag, indicating that water levels are at or nearing critical thresholds.
At the Naowarat Bridge, the river’s depth was recorded at 4.23 meters at 5pm, maintaining close proximity to this level since 8am. According to the provincial irrigation office, an estimated 3 million cubic meters of floodwater are still present in the city, and it is projected that it will take approximately two days for these waters to dissipate completely.
Among the newly submerged areas on Friday morning was Chiang Mai University, which experienced runoff from the heavy rains inundating Doi Suthep. The university reported in the afternoon that conditions had normalized. “The traffic routes and the CMU Transit service are now operating as usual,” it announced on its Facebook page.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is scheduled to visit Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai on Saturday. Having arrived in Chiang Rai on Friday afternoon, she led a meeting with officials to coordinate aid for those affected by the northern flooding. Muang and Mae Sai were among the hardest-hit districts in Chiang Rai.
Northern train services to Chiang Mai remain suspended at Lampang station, necessitating that passengers utilize buses provided by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to travel onward to Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The SRT has assured that all advanced train tickets booked for travel from Sept 26-30 will be fully refunded.
This clean-up campaign seems like a good start, but shouldn’t the government have better flood management systems in place to prevent this kind of disaster in the first place?
It’s easier said than done. You can’t always predict the scale of natural disasters. Quick responses like this are crucial!
But aren’t there other cities with effective flood prevention systems? Why can’t Chiang Mai learn from them?
Exactly, Joe. It’s about time we invest in long-term solutions instead of just reacting after the fact.
Floods are a natural occurrence. We can’t control nature! We just need to learn how to live with it.
Living with it doesn’t mean doing nothing. We should strive to minimize the impact.
Chiang Mai is a tourist gem, they need to get it back on its feet ASAP! I hope businesses can recover quickly.
Tourism should not come before the safety and well-being of the residents!
I was referring to the economic aspect. A thriving tourist economy helps everyone in the city.
Derek, you do realize tourism is one of the main income sources for people there, right?
I think it’s commendable how quickly they are organizing the clean-up. Imagine the logistical nightmare!
Totally! People don’t realize how much work goes into something like this.
True, but let’s not forget the ongoing environmental damage from these floods.
Why is the train service always the first to go down during these disasters? It’s 2024, and we still can’t maintain proper transit systems.
Infrastructure everywhere is crumbling. It’s not just a Chiang Mai problem.
Exactly, Mark. Our priorities need a major shift globally.
While true, it’s particularly frustrating for those who rely on these services daily.
The coordination between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai seems solid. Hopefully, this sets a precedent for future disaster responses.
Absolutely! Inter-city coordination could be a game-changer in crisis management.
Sure, but let’s not ignore that these plans often fall apart under pressure.
The government should give compensation for the damages. These people have lost a lot!
Compensation is tricky. Where do you draw the line and how do you allocate funds fairly?
True, but doing nothing isn’t an option either. People need help!
What about non-monetary aid, like rebuilding homes or providing food and shelter?
Sasha, that’s actually a great point. Combining both approaches could be more effective.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s involvement shows how serious this is. Politicians don’t usually get their hands dirty.
I just hope this isn’t all for show. We need real, lasting changes, not just a photo-op for politicians.
Cynical much? Give credit where it’s due. At least she’s there.
Perhaps, but we’ve been burned too many times by empty promises.
Both valid points. It’s good she’s there, but actions need to back up the visit.
Why aren’t they using flood barriers or other modern technology to manage this?
Flood barriers are expensive and require maintenance. Developing regions often can’t afford them.
Then what about international aid? Other countries could help set up better systems.
Chiang Mai University seems to have bounced back quickly. Good news in all this chaos.
Glad to hear it. Universities need to be resilient. Educating the next generation is vital.
The garbage problem is enormous. I can’t believe how much trash washes into cities when floods occur.
This should be a wake-up call about our waste management practices.
Can we just appreciate the hard work of the municipal workers? They’re the real heroes here.
I was planning a trip to Chiang Mai. Now I’m reconsidering. Is it really safe to visit?
Give it a few weeks. The city should be back on its feet soon. Your visit will support the local economy.