Communities in Mae Sai district, Thailand’s northernmost point in Chiang Rai province, were hit by severe flooding on Tuesday morning after the Sai River overflowed its banks due to heavy overnight rainfall and water runoff from Myanmar’s Shan State.
The rapid surge in water levels submerged key residential and commercial zones, including the popular Sai Lom Joy Market and neighborhoods near the Koh Sai and Mai Lung Khon areas. Residents were forced to evacuate homes and move belongings to higher ground, as water swept through roads, shops, and low-lying communities with little warning.
Cross-Border Water Flow Blamed for Flash Flooding
Local officials attribute the flooding primarily to heavy upstream rainfall in Myanmar, where the Sai River originates. The influx of water overwhelmed the riverbanks and quickly inundated Thai territory along the border.
Warayut Khomboon, the district chief of Mae Sai, noted that ongoing riverbank reinforcement projects near the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge may have inadvertently restricted water flow, intensifying the flood impact. “We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with emergency teams to ensure safety and provide assistance,” he said.
Commercial Zones and Travel Disrupted
Floodwaters disrupted daily life and commerce in one of Thailand’s key border trade zones. The Sai Lom Joy Market, a major trading hub connecting Thai and Myanmar vendors, was left inaccessible due to knee-high water in certain parts. Several vendors reported damage to goods and stalls, while local transport and delivery services were suspended due to impassable roads.
Local businesses along the Sai River are calling for faster implementation of flood control systems, citing increasing climate unpredictability and inadequate infrastructure to manage high water volumes.
Emergency Response Underway
Municipal crews, police, and volunteer rescue teams are currently assisting affected residents, setting up temporary shelters and distributing essential supplies including food, clean water, and medical support.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing assessments to evaluate property damage, infrastructure impact, and risk of additional runoff as rainfall continues across the region.
Long-Term Flood Mitigation Measures Needed
This latest incident highlights the growing vulnerability of border provinces like Chiang Rai to natural disasters exacerbated by cross-border environmental factors. Experts are calling for a joint flood management strategy between Thailand and Myanmar, focusing on coordinated dam operations, early warning systems, and sustainable development near shared rivers.
With the annual monsoon season approaching, residents and businesses in Mae Sai are urging both local and national agencies to prioritize flood preparedness and resilience planning.
