CHIANG RAI – Heavy rain has returned, causing serious problems in Mae Sai district, with fifty-five homes damaged so far in Chiang Rai Province. The Sai River has risen again, putting more pressure on flood defences.
The barriers along the riverbank are holding for now, keeping water from entering the border community and the local market. However, on the opposite side in Tachileik, floodwater has already made its way through cracks in the defences, reaching Tha Lo market and the main roads.
On 22 August, the water level in the Sai River, which forms the Thai-Myanmar border, kept climbing after sustained rainfall in Doi To Kham (Tachileik, Myanmar) and areas near the first Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge linking Mae Sai (Chiang Rai) and Tachileik.
By early afternoon, rainfall reached 65 to 66 millimetres. At 12:50 pm, water at the bridge hit 101.21 percent of its standard capacity, almost spilling over. Thanks to flood barriers built along the Thai riverbank, water has not entered the district or markets on the Thai side.
Meanwhile, water has breached defences in Tachileik, flowing through open splits and spreading into Pong Tun village and Tha Lo market. The Lo is a key border trade area and a local attraction. Several main roads have also been affected, causing disruption.
Mae Sai district authorities and Mae Sai municipality officials have warned riverside residents to be ready if the water tops the flood barriers.
The National Water Resources Office and Meteorological Department expect more heavy to very heavy rain from 24 to 28 August, which could raise river levels further. Border areas around Mae Sai are likely to be hit.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Chiang Rai reported thunderstorms from a monsoon trough and low pressure between 21 and 22 August. Three districts, six subdistricts, and eight villages have been affected so far.
About 55 households have suffered, with damage to five roads and a public building. Thankfully, there have been no injuries or deaths.
In Moo 4 and Moo 10 of Doi Lan, Chiang Rai city district, fallen trees blocked roads and hit a public hall, with about 50 houses damaged by the storm. In the Huai Chomphu subdistrict, a landslide cut off access to Moo 7.
In the Chiang Khong district, strong rain and wind left five homes damaged in Rim Khong village.
According to the disaster office’s latest update, heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides have hit Chiang Rai since 21 August. Damage has been reported in three districts, six subdistricts, and eight villages, affecting roughly 55 homes.
Five roads and one multipurpose building have been damaged. No injuries or fatalities have been recorded, with damage assessment ongoing.
Looking ahead, officials expect more rain and possible thunderstorms. Continuous downpours may bring flash floods, rapid water flow, and rivers overflowing. This risk rises as the low-pressure system and monsoon trough remain in the region. Locals are being advised to stay alert and make safety their top priority.
