A full month has passed since the Sai River at the Thai-Myanmar border overflowed, bringing a large amount of mud to Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province. The flooding began on September 10, 2024, and gradually receded over the next three to four days.
However, as of October 11, the area next to the river still has significant mud on roads, in homes and businesses, especially in the Sand Island and Mai Lung Khan communities.
The Mae Sai Municipality has ordered private contractors to assist the villagers with mud removal. The contractors must coordinate their work with the main agencies to ensure the area’s restoration proceeds effectively.
Major General Boonyarit Kasetwetin, Commander of the 37th Army Circle and Director of the 37th Army Circle Volunteer Center, continues to visit the area. He inspects and encourages personnel working with soldiers to remove mud from various communities daily.
In Mueang Chiang Rai District, personnel from the 37th Infantry Regiment, along with the Chiang Rai Municipality, are working to restore homes in the Rim Kok Subdistrict, which was severely affected by flooding from the Kok River’s overflow.
The latest update indicates that 63 of the 273 houses impacted by flooding still require assistance. Mud has been pumped out from the drains in 22 alleys in the villages.
Meanwhile, Sirilak Thammapitak, Director of Ban Nam Lat School in Rim Kok Subdistrict, reported significant damage to a school building from flooding. Engineers inspected the building and recommended that it be demolished.
The school has submitted a request for funding to the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) to address the damages. The school director expressed shock and disbelief at the severity of the flood’s impact.
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Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.