The second half of 2024 saw an unprecedented deluge affecting a significant portion of Thailand. Of the 77 provinces, an unfortunate 42 experienced severe flooding. This water blitz resulted in the tragic loss of at least 50 lives and incurred damage costs running into billions of baht, severely affecting both properties and farmland. Among the hardest hit were the northern regions, particularly the stunning landscapes of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. In a rare occurrence, the Ping River, which serenely snakes through Chiang Mai, spilled over its banks, prompting a massive boat-led evacuation effort.
The scale of the flooding prompted many to ask: what triggered such widespread chaos? One glaring cause lies in the management of hydropower dams located further upstream, notably in neighboring China and Laos. These structures, while providing substantial energy solutions, inadvertently contribute to acute flooding conditions when they release water, exacerbating erosion along riverbanks and leaving communities downstream in disarray.
Adding to the complexity is the issue of human encroachment along the riverbanks. This means more structures built too close or even jutting into rivers, which hampers effective drainage and renders the construction of robust flood barriers nearly impossible. But wait, that’s not the whole picture. A larger culprit lurks in deforestation, which is particularly rampant for mining endeavors and to clear land for growing feed crops to support animal agriculture. We often forget that forests are nature’s very own sponge—soaking up carbon while also managing excess water. Without their green guardianship, rain transforms into torrents, dragging precious topsoil with it and leaving a muddy mess in its wake.
For those eager to dig deeper into Thailand’s flood dilemma, the latest episode of Bangkok Post’s “Deeper Dive” vodcast provides a compelling exploration. In a riveting sit-down, Dave Kendall converses with none other than “Pai” Pianporn Deetes, a stalwart in environmental advocacy and the campaign director for the Southeast Asia Programme at International Rivers. Their discussion unpacks the layers and nuances of the crisis that has gripped Thailand, offering insights and potential solutions.
Curious to know more? It’s all just a click away. Hit “Play” on the podcast below or embark on your own auditory journey by searching “Deeper Dive Thailand” on your favorite podcast platform. As Thailand navigates through the murky waters of its flood crisis, conversations like these don’t just diagnose the problem—they spotlight a path forward.
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