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Thailand’s Flood Crisis: Pianporn Deetes on Human Impact and Solutions

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Amidst the bustling tapestry that is Thailand, Mother Nature has unveiled her dual-edged sword, and it’s not a pretty sight. This year alone, devastating floods have wreaked havoc across the nation, claiming over 50 lives in the North earlier, and leaving another 25 dead in the southern reaches more recently. While climate change stands accused as a primary villain, the real story, according to the Southeast Asia programme director of International Rivers, Pianporn “Pai” Deetes, tells of a more human touch to this catastrophe.

Appearing on Bangkok Post’s “Deeper Dive” vodcast, Pai pulls back the curtain on the triad of human activities responsible for exacerbating these natural calamities: deforestation, the proliferation of dams, and unscrupulous encroachment. As she paints the scene, an irony emerges—deforestation, a key player in causing floods, is also directly linked to the PM2.5 haze notorious in the northern part of the country. The relentless felling of trees to clear the way for cornfields, only to be burned afterward, sets the stage for what locals term as “half flood, half haze.”

Crossing the border into Myanmar, the plot thickens with the addition of mining to the mix. Flickering satellite imagery reveals unauthorized gold mining operations in the politically unstable Shan State, where the rule of law has disappeared beneath the coup’s shadow three years ago. Pai highlights that the lack of on-ground journalism further masks these activities, painting a dire picture of rivers such as the Mae Sai turning into muddy torrents drenching both Chiang Rai and its Myanmar neighbor, Tachileik.

But wait, there’s more! Not content with just genetic modifications to the landscape, these floods are also protagonists in a larger narrative involving numerous dams upstream on the mighty Mekong River. During the recent months of excessive rainfall, these dams danced a precarious dance, forced to release water, thus slowing the drain-off in areas like Chiang Rai. Pai articulates a pressing need for cross-border dialogues and collaborations, especially with China— the upstream power player in this hydrological drama.

Yet, as if under a magician’s spell, man has chosen to rework the landscape itself, building upon ancient river courses like a novice playing god with clay. Pai recounts an epiphany when she discovered that her family’s foundation office rests right atop what used to be a meandering river in Chiang Rai—a stark reminder that the earth is but a timeless tale, even when we forget its chapters.

And so, with water only suspended by levees and walls hanging like a sword of Damocles over towns such as Sukhothai or Nakhon Sawan, the stakes are sky-high. When these walls break, the results can be devastating, and Pai warns against the seemingly straightforward but perilous solution of flood walls. Instead, she advocates for an embracing of the earth’s inherent softness—a solution of “sponge cities” where wetlands and lakes intermingle with humanity’s urban jungles.

But here’s where the story takes a pragmatic turn. In some narratives, relocation of communities becomes an unavoidable subplot, yet this must be a tale told through empathy and fairness, with proper compensation accompanying these moves. Pai proposes a symphony, not of single instruments, but a collaboration of many. Farmers, engineers, city planners, academics, and everyone in between must be consulted and involved in crafting a strategy to mend this fractured relationship with nature.

As our protagonist wraps up her testimony, she sets the stage for an urgent call to action. “We must recognize and address the true issues at hand by consulting with stakeholders across the spectrum,” she implores. It’s a collective endeavor that demands more than just bureaucratic bodies—it requires the participation of every soul touched by this living, breathing land.

To plunge further into the depths of this engaging narrative and explore more about Pai’s insights, scan the QR code, or simply wander through the digital avenues to discover ‘Deeper Dive Thailand’ on your favorite podcast platforms.

33 Comments

  1. Michael B. December 8, 2024

    Pai Deetes brings up essential points about human activities exacerbating floods, but isn’t climate change still the main culprit? Limiting carbon emissions should be our top priority.

    • Sarah88 December 8, 2024

      While climate change is crucial, ignoring local practices like deforestation undermines immediate action we can take here and now. Both need attention.

      • Michael B. December 8, 2024

        Agreed, Sarah, we need a multifaceted approach. It’s frustrating how often people focus on global over local solutions though.

  2. EcoWarrior December 8, 2024

    Deforestation for agriculture is a disaster waiting to happen. Can’t we just implement stricter laws and harsher penalties against these practices?

  3. Nan December 8, 2024

    But what about the people who rely on farming for their livelihood? It’s not as simple as just imposing laws. Support is needed for sustainable practices.

    • GreenThumb December 8, 2024

      Exactly, Nan. Farmers need to be educated and supported through transitions to eco-friendly methods.

    • EcoWarrior December 8, 2024

      That’s fair, but inaction isn’t an option either. We need balance here.

  4. John_Doe December 8, 2024

    Cross-border collaboration sounds ideal, but does anybody honestly believe countries like China will prioritize this over their economic interests?

    • Ling Liu December 8, 2024

      It’s challenging, sure, but China is also affected by these ecological shifts. Pressuring them through international forums is better than assuming nothing will happen.

    • John_Doe December 8, 2024

      Perhaps, but previous attempts haven’t shown promising results.

  5. PlantLover December 8, 2024

    Sponge cities sound fascinating, but how realistic are they to implement in countries with already tight budgets for infrastructure?

    • Paul December 8, 2024

      Sustainable urban planning can be more cost-effective long-term if done right. Initial investments could save a lot later.

    • Jo December 8, 2024

      Exactly, Paul. Imagine the cost of repair every time floods hit instead of building long-term solutions now.

  6. ThinkingCap December 8, 2024

    Relocating communities is a sensitive issue. How do we ensure they’re fairly compensated without sparking more social issues?

    • Mia December 8, 2024

      Governments need transparent policies. Talking directly to affected communities can help tailor solutions that work for everyone.

    • Grow4Life December 9, 2024

      Not just governments, NGOs should also play a role in advocating for these communities.

  7. Larry D December 8, 2024

    Pai’s call to integrate engineers, farmers, and planners is brilliant. Why do we always wait for disasters before thinking holistically?

    • EngineerSam December 9, 2024

      Lack of communication between sectors is a big part of the problem. More interdisciplinary forums could really help.

    • Sue Chang December 9, 2024

      Well, crises do push innovation faster. It’s a sad truth.

  8. NatureNerd December 9, 2024

    Maybe we need a widespread cultural shift in how we view nature. Seeing it as a partner rather than a resource might prompt better stewardship.

  9. CuriousGeorge December 9, 2024

    Can the proposed solutions really work in areas where political stability is questionable?

    • Hopeful December 9, 2024

      Political instability is an obstacle, no doubt. Local community initiatives, however, can sometimes bypass larger political hurdles.

    • CuriousGeorge December 9, 2024

      It’s worth a shot, but I remain skeptical.

  10. Franklin T December 9, 2024

    Pai’s insights offer a blueprint, but will policymakers actually listen? It seems like politics often derails practical solutions.

    • PolicyPat December 9, 2024

      It’s an ongoing battle. Increasing public pressure through awareness might push them to act responsibly.

  11. Gina M. December 9, 2024

    This ‘half flood, half haze’ issue is incredibly unique. Why isn’t there more discussion on such intertwined environmental impacts?

    • WeatherWiz December 9, 2024

      Media tends to oversimplify complex topics. Also, everyone is caught up with more immediate issues sometimes.

  12. Tina December 9, 2024

    Gold mining in Myanmar adds another layer to this mess—how do we even start addressing these cross-border environmental crimes?

    • Matt December 9, 2024

      International cooperation and strict monitoring from environmental watchdogs are crucial.

    • Joe December 9, 2024

      Easier said than done. The lack of journalism in the region complicates accountability.

  13. Ashley December 9, 2024

    Flood walls feel like treating symptoms rather than the disease. When will we learn to work with nature instead of against it?

    • WaterLover December 9, 2024

      Exactly, Ashley! We need to reshape cities to work in tandem with natural water flow rather than block it.

  14. EcoSmith December 9, 2024

    The reluctance to incorporate more innovative solutions like ‘sponge cities’ stems from corporate interests in traditional infrastructure. Let’s not ignore that.

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