In the gentle embrace of Thailand’s Mae Sai, a different kind of calamity has unfolded. Wat Pha Sukaram, a serene temple in Chiang Rai, found its peaceful grounds swallowed by floodwaters not too long ago. In a digital plea, the temple’s abbot reached out through Facebook, seeking heroes to aid those stranded near the temple. The image of the temple shrouded in water hints at a broader, more complex tapestry of environmental woes confronting Thailand.
This year, Thailand has been dealt a cruel hand by nature as floods rippled through its lands, claiming over 50 lives in the North and at least 25 in the South. While climate change plays its relentless role, a human cast, with deforestation, dams, and encroachment, has also penned this tragic script. Pianporn “Pai” Deetes, Southeast Asia programme director for International Rivers, shared these insights in a revealing session on Bangkok Post’s “Deeper Dive” vodcast.
Deforestation emerges as a villain both smouldering and soaked. “It’s ironic,” remarks Ms. Pianporn, noting how deforestation feeds both floods and the choking PM2.5 haze in northern Thailand. The locals narrate their ordeal as “half flood, half haze,” a grim recital caused by forest-clearing for maize plantations that often meet their fiery end.
And yet, the saga doesn’t stop at the border. Neighboring Myanmar adds its chapter, with mining—possibly gold mining—contributing its own muddy paragraphs. “Satellite imagery reveals mining activities, likely unlawful, especially following Myanmar’s coup three years ago,” Ms. Pianporn explained. Journalism and civil society have lost their voice there, leaving only the silent testimony of landscapes. These mining and agricultural pursuits along the Mae Sai River are prime suspects behind the mud floods afflicting Mae Sai in Chiang Rai and across into Myanmar’s Tachileik district.
“The deforestation magnifies floods’ wrath,” she elaborates, illustrating the torrents of mud that flow into urban heartbeats, towns, and villages. Recovery is still just a dream, with machinery tirelessly working to liberate homes from muddy grasp in Mae Sai.
An old companion to these floods are the dams upstream; specters standing tall on rivers like the Mekong. Recent torrents, synchronized with dam water releases, have slowed the drainage in Chiang Rai dramatically. “In cases of international rivers, it’s essential that governments exchange dialogues. We’re not pointing fingers, but as a river superpower, China should heed downstream voices because we share this lifeline,” advocates Ms. Pianporn. Letters have been penned, urging China to see downstream impacts when orchestrating dam operations.
The final actor in this flood drama is encroachment—nature’s path claimed by human progress. A conversation with a historian revealed to Ms. Pianporn that even her foundation’s office sits on an ancient river’s ghostly course outside Chiang Rai. Modernity sometimes forgets the whispers of rivers, often hidden beneath concrete layers. While floodwalls may seem an immediate line of defense, she warns, they could become disaster’s accomplice if breached. Examples from Sukhothai and Nakhon Sawan reinforce the need for what she calls “nature-based solutions.”
Ms. Pianporn envisions a future where towns evolve into “sponge cities,” melding with natural allies like wetlands. However, relocation might be necessary where danger clings too close. This should happen with empathy and careful compensation, not haste or coercion.
Crucially, Ms. Pianporn emphasizes acknowledging the roots of these floods and collaborating with nature, not against it. It’s time to unite stakeholders—planners, engineers, farmers, residents—for a cohesive remedy rather than isolated governmental initiatives. “The key is recognizing the real issue and coming together for solutions,” she insists, yearning for genuine consultation beyond bureaucratic confines.
To explore more of these perspectives, watch the full conversation by searching for ‘Deeper Dive Thailand’ on your podcast platform of choice.
It’s really alarming how much damage deforestation is causing here. We need to stop these logging companies before it’s too late.
I understand your concern, Joe, but completely stopping logging isn’t practical. We need wood for various economic purposes!
Larry, we can use sustainable practices. Replanting trees and managing logging correctly can reduce harm.
That’s right, GreenThumb88! Sustainable forestry can balance production and conservation.
And don’t forget the impact of maize plantations! They’re also a big part of the problem.
The situation in Myanmar with illegal mining sounds horrifying. Why isn’t the international community doing more?
Kate, it’s complicated due to Myanmar’s political situation. Sanctions are in place, but action is limited.
The dams’s role in causing floods can’t be ignored. Govt. should seriously consider Ms. Pianporn’s suggestions!
RiversGuard, dialogues are needed, but diplomacy with China is complex. Economic ties make it a challenge.
True, Tim. But the ecological cost might outweigh these economic ties if not addressed soon.
It’s incredible, Thailand keeps facing these environmental problems but no drastic changes seem to happen.
We need empathy and collaboration. It’s time governments listen to us citizens who are directly affected by these disasters.
Exactly, Linda! Public consultation should be genuine, not a checkbox activity in governmental plans.
Nature-based solutions could be a game-changer. Has any proper research been done on how effective they’ll be?
Indeed! They have shown promise in other regions like the Netherlands. We need dedicated trials here in Thailand.
That’s encouraging to hear, EcoResearcher. Let’s hope policymakers take note and act on this insight.
With so much evidence from satellite images and reports, why aren’t these illegal activities being stopped promptly?
I share Ms. Pianporn’s vision of ‘sponge cities.’ We need infrastructure that adapts to environmental changes!
Sponge cities sound futuristic, but then again, who pays for these adaptations? Taxpayers?
Bob, public and private sectors need to collaborate to fund these projects. Benefits will eventually outweigh the costs.
Farmers are often scapegoats in these discussions. We need to support them with resources to use eco-friendly practices.
That’s true. Farmers can be allies in conservation if we give them the right support and incentives.
Exactly, AgrarianFoo! We need education and subsidy programs.
It’s a profound thought that modern cities may be situated on dormant river courses. Nature has a way of reclaiming its territory.
Interesting perspective, Jones. Sometimes planning doesn’t respect history or nature.
What baffles me is why historical river courses were ignored in urban planning to begin with. We should learn from past mistakes.
Larry, urban expansion often prioritizes immediate land use over long-term environmental considerations.
I see, historybuff23. It’s a cycle that keeps repeating, unfortunately.