The government needs to accelerate its efforts to drain excess water from flood-stricken areas in the North and Northeast, as more torrential rain is expected to lash upper Thailand in the coming days, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) yesterday. Paiton Kengkarnchang, the ONWR deputy secretary-general, mentioned that a new storm system is forming over the Philippines.
While the storm is unlikely to directly hit Thailand, it is forecasted to bring increased rainfall to the lower North, upper Central Plains, the Northeast, and East around Monday and Tuesday next week. In light of this, all agencies managing the country’s flood situation have been urged to speed up their flood-draining efforts through various channels leading to the Gulf of Thailand, according to the ONWR deputy chief.
According to the Meteorological Department’s forecast yesterday, a southwest monsoon is also currently blowing across the Andaman Sea, bringing heavy rain to the North, Bangkok, and its surrounding provinces, the East, and the South. The increased rainfall will heighten the risk of flash floods in low-lying areas, particularly in valleys, said the department.
In Chiang Mai, although floodwaters have receded in some areas, authorities believe it will take about a fortnight for the situation to return to normal, stated Atthawit Nakwatchara, director of Chiang Mai’s 1st Royal Irrigation Office. The Ping River caused havoc across downtown Chiang Mai when it overflowed on Wednesday, inundating large parts of Muang district, including the famous Night Bazaar.
Villagers residing in Moo 6 and Moo 9 in the Mae Ai district suffered fresh flash floods in the early hours of yesterday morning. Many residents were caught off guard as the water had just begun to recede.
The situation in neighboring Lamphun was more dire yesterday, as floodwater from Chiang Mai began gushing through the province’s waterways starting Wednesday night, flooding parts of Ban Thi and Muang districts.
Meanwhile, in Lampang, a reservoir in Ban Nong in Mae Tha district unexpectedly gave way at 11am yesterday, flooding numerous areas downstream, as well as parts of the neighboring Ko Kha district.
In Nakhon Phanom, six districts reported floods yesterday, impacting over 17,300 people across 224 villages. Local authorities are optimistic that the province reached its peak flood levels, as the water level along the Mekong River had already receded significantly.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will travel to Chiang Rai today to inspect the post-flood recovery efforts. She will spend the night in Mae Sai district, the hardest-hit area, and then travel on to Chiang Mai, according to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Isn’t it about time the Thai government invested in better flood defenses? This seems to happen every year!
Agreed! So much money is wasted on ineffective short-term solutions.
Maybe it’s a matter of prioritization. There’s always been a debate on where to allocate limited resources.
True, but what’s more crucial than preventing natural disasters and safeguarding communities?
Easier said than done! These are complex issues, and implementing solutions takes time and money.
Why isn’t there more international aid to help Thailand with these floods? It’s a global responsibility to help one another.
There should be, but not every country is willing to give aid unless there’s something in it for them.
Maybe if Thailand had better international relations, they would get more help. Just saying.
Climate change is making these floods worse every year. We need to take immediate action on a global scale!
But how much can Thailand really do about climate change? The big polluters need to step up!
Every country should do their part, regardless. Pointing fingers won’t solve anything.
Exactly, Jack! Everyone needs to be accountable!
Still, we need regulations that target the biggest contributors first. Small nations can’t bear the burden alone.
I visited Chiang Mai last year, it’s heartbreaking to see such a beautiful place suffer like this.
Yeah, tourism might take a huge hit this year if these floods get worse.
Tourism could actually help with recovery efforts if managed correctly.
Good point, Joe. Local businesses could definitely use the support right now.
Flash floods are devastating, especially to low-income families. We need social safety nets in place for immediate relief.
I don’t think the government is capable of handling this crisis on its own. NGOs need to step in.
How’s the international community reacting to this crisis? Are there any relief efforts from outside Thailand?
Haven’t seen much about international aid in the news. Seems like everyone is too focused on their own problems lately.
Disappointing, but not shocking. Global solidarity is sorely lacking.
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leadership during this crisis will be a true test of her capabilities. Let’s see how she handles it.
Why isn’t more being done to predict these flood events and prepare in advance? The technology exists.
Satellite technology could really help in predicting these events more accurately.
Exactly, TechSeeker. More investment in technology could save lives and resources in the long run.
It’s a real shame that rural areas are always hit the hardest by these kinds of disasters.
Urban planning in flood-prone areas should be more stringent to prevent such devastation.
Indeed, building codes should really take these natural risks into account.
And not just in Thailand, but globally. Our cities need to be resilient against climate change.
It’s depressing to think this will keep happening every year. What’s the long-term plan?
Maybe it’s time for Thailand to look into more advanced engineering solutions like sea walls and advanced drainage systems.
Those are super expensive projects, though. Who’s going to foot the bill?
Are there any international organizations currently assisting with relief efforts?
It will be interesting to see how PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra coordinates with regional leaders during this crisis.
In my experience, government response has always been slow. Local communities need to be more proactive.
Grassroots efforts can make a difference, but they need resources and support from higher up.
Why isn’t the media covering this more extensively? It’s like no one outside Thailand cares.
The media tends to focus on more sensational news. Floods in Thailand don’t get the same attention.
Sad but true. We need more awareness and attention on these pressing issues.