Chiang Rai Battles Severe Flooding Affecting Over 4,400 Households

1. Chiang Rai Battles Severe Flooding Affecting Over 4,400 Households The Cause: Torrential Rains and Tropical Storms

2. Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, is grappling with a devastating natural disaster as severe flooding has inundated multiple districts, impacting over 4,400 households. The relentless heavy rainfall, exacerbated by tropical weather systems, has caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. According to Indothai News, the flooding, which began in late June 2025, has affected five districts, with Phaya Mengrai and Wiang Chai bearing the brunt of the deluge.

3. The flooding in Chiang Rai is primarily driven by continuous heavy rainfall, intensified by the remnants of tropical depression Wipha, which weakened from a tropical storm in July 2025. Indothai News reported that the province experienced high rainfall totals, with some areas recording over 200 millimeters in a single day, overwhelming local waterways. The Ing River, which flows through Phaya Mengrai and Thoeng districts, has been particularly vulnerable, with rising water levels causing widespread inundation. Additionally, runoff from mountainous areas has surged into low-lying communities, turning roads into streams and submerging homes.

4. The situation was further aggravated by the region’s geography. Chiang Rai’s proximity to the Mekong River and its tributaries, such as the Sai and Kok Rivers, makes it susceptible to flooding during the monsoon season. Earlier in 2024, Typhoon Yagi had already caused significant flooding, described by Indothai News as the worst in 80 years, setting a precedent for the current crisis. The saturated soil and overflowing rivers have left little room for additional rainfall, leading to flash floods and landslides across the province.

5. The flooding has left a trail of destruction across Chiang Rai, affecting 10 sub-districts and 32 villages. According to Indothai News, approximately 4,405 households have been impacted, with floodwaters reaching waist-deep levels in some areas. In Phaya Mengrai’s Tadkhwan sub-district, flash floods inundated a school and over 200 homes, while a bridge was severed, cutting off access. In Mae Pao sub-district, 3,705 households were affected as the Mae Pao River overflowed, submerging homes and health centers.

6. Infrastructure has also taken a severe hit. Roads in Phaya Mengrai, Wiang Chai, and Thoeng districts have become impassable, with floodwaters submerging key routes like the Chiang Rai Road (Route 1326). Public facilities, including Wiang Chiang Rung Hospital and Thoeng Hospital, have been flooded, limiting access to medical care. Indothai News highlighted the plight of Thoeng Hospital, which was surrounded by water, forcing the evacuation of patients with mild symptoms and restricting services to emergencies only.

7. The economic toll is immense, with businesses disrupted and markets like Sai Lom Joy Walking Street underwater. The human cost is equally heartbreaking. Residents have been forced to evacuate in the middle of the night, with many losing possessions to the fast-moving floodwaters. In Mae Sai, concerns about waterborne diseases, particularly arsenic contamination from upstream mining in Myanmar, have prompted authorities to set up temporary shelters. Social media posts, as reported by Indothai News, show residents trapped in their homes, calling for urgent rescue as water levels continue to rise.

8. Local and national authorities have mobilized swiftly to address the crisis. The Chiang Rai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre has issued flood alerts across all districts, urging residents to monitor river levels and prepare for evacuation. Emergency teams, including military personnel, police, and local volunteers, are working tirelessly to assist affected communities. In Thoeng district, over 1,100 pigs were rescued from a flooded farm, showcasing the coordinated efforts of the Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organization, the livestock office, and volunteer groups like the Saeng Tham charity foundation.

9. The Thai government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has prioritized rapid response measures. She has instructed the Ministry of Defence to deploy personnel and equipment, including flat-bottomed boats and helicopters, to evacuate stranded residents and deliver aid. The Ministry of Public Health has mobilized medical teams to operate 24/7, while the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is coordinating with mobile networks to issue emergency alerts. These efforts aim to mitigate immediate dangers and provide relief to those affected.

10. Rescue operations have been particularly challenging due to strong currents and debris-filled waters. In Mae Sai, military units have reinforced embankments to prevent further flooding, while jet skis and boats have been deployed to reach stranded residents. Temporary shelters have been established at locations like Mae Sai Municipality and Prommawihan Temple, offering refuge to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled.