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.
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.
While climate change is crucial, ignoring local practices like deforestation undermines immediate action we can take here and now. Both need attention.
Agreed, Sarah, we need a multifaceted approach. It’s frustrating how often people focus on global over local solutions though.
Deforestation for agriculture is a disaster waiting to happen. Can’t we just implement stricter laws and harsher penalties against these practices?
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.
Exactly, Nan. Farmers need to be educated and supported through transitions to eco-friendly methods.
That’s fair, but inaction isn’t an option either. We need balance here.
Cross-border collaboration sounds ideal, but does anybody honestly believe countries like China will prioritize this over their economic interests?
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.
Perhaps, but previous attempts haven’t shown promising results.
Sponge cities sound fascinating, but how realistic are they to implement in countries with already tight budgets for infrastructure?
Sustainable urban planning can be more cost-effective long-term if done right. Initial investments could save a lot later.
Exactly, Paul. Imagine the cost of repair every time floods hit instead of building long-term solutions now.
Relocating communities is a sensitive issue. How do we ensure they’re fairly compensated without sparking more social issues?
Governments need transparent policies. Talking directly to affected communities can help tailor solutions that work for everyone.
Not just governments, NGOs should also play a role in advocating for these communities.
Pai’s call to integrate engineers, farmers, and planners is brilliant. Why do we always wait for disasters before thinking holistically?
Lack of communication between sectors is a big part of the problem. More interdisciplinary forums could really help.
Well, crises do push innovation faster. It’s a sad truth.
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.
Can the proposed solutions really work in areas where political stability is questionable?
Political instability is an obstacle, no doubt. Local community initiatives, however, can sometimes bypass larger political hurdles.
It’s worth a shot, but I remain skeptical.
Pai’s insights offer a blueprint, but will policymakers actually listen? It seems like politics often derails practical solutions.
It’s an ongoing battle. Increasing public pressure through awareness might push them to act responsibly.
This ‘half flood, half haze’ issue is incredibly unique. Why isn’t there more discussion on such intertwined environmental impacts?
Media tends to oversimplify complex topics. Also, everyone is caught up with more immediate issues sometimes.
Gold mining in Myanmar adds another layer to this mess—how do we even start addressing these cross-border environmental crimes?
International cooperation and strict monitoring from environmental watchdogs are crucial.
Easier said than done. The lack of journalism in the region complicates accountability.
Flood walls feel like treating symptoms rather than the disease. When will we learn to work with nature instead of against it?
Exactly, Ashley! We need to reshape cities to work in tandem with natural water flow rather than block it.
The reluctance to incorporate more innovative solutions like ‘sponge cities’ stems from corporate interests in traditional infrastructure. Let’s not ignore that.