CHIANG RAI – Continuous heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding across five districts in Chiang Rai Province. More than 4,400 homes have been damaged, roads have been washed away, and a hospital has been flooded. The province has ordered round-the-clock monitoring and is speeding up aid efforts for those affected.
Heavy rain has caused sudden floods and runoff in several areas of Chiang Rai. Authorities report that five districts are facing serious problems. Over 4,400 households have been affected. Roads in some places are impassable, and at least one hospital is under water.
Provincial officials are keeping close watch on the situation and have teams in place to help residents.
Rainfall Measured in Affected Areas
The Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre reported high rainfall totals in several areas:
- Mae Pao, Phaya Mengrai: up to 317.5 mm
- Chiang Saen: 198.5 mm
- Wiang Chai: 154 mm
- Wiang Chiang Rung: 148.5 mm
- Chiang Khong: 145 mm
These high rainfall levels have been the main cause of the current flooding.
Damage Across Districts
Flooding and runoff have caused widespread damage across 10 subdistricts and 32 villages in Chiang Rai. Here is a summary of the damage:
Phaya Mengrai: Over 4,200 Homes Flooded
- Tad Khwan: Flash floods have hit village 4, affecting a school and over 200 homes. A bridge has been destroyed, cutting off access.
- Mae Pao: Villages 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 12, 14 and 16, and 20 have seen major flooding. More than 3,700 homes are affected. The Mae Pao health centre and several roads are under water.
- Mae Tam: Villages 2, 7, 8 and 10 have seen about 500 homes flooded.
Wiang Chai: Farms and Roads Damaged
- Phangam: Villages 1, 3, 7 and 13 have been flooded. Rice paddies in village 1 are under water. A section of Highway 1326 is flooded and closed to vehicles.
- Don Sila: In village 10, about 500 rai of rice fields are flooded.
Chiang Saen: Roads Under Water
- Ban Saew: Villages 4, 11 and 12 have flooded roads, making travel very difficult.
Wiang Chiang Rung: Hospital Flooded
- Thung Kor: Villages 6, 7 and 15
- Pa Sang: Villages 5, 6, 7, 10 and 14
- Dong Mahawan: Village 4
Flooding has reached Wiang Chiang Rung hospital, some homes and local farmland.
Thoeng: Flooding Near Hospital
- Wiang: Village 20, roads near Thoeng hospital are under water, causing problems for people trying to get medical care.
Summary of Damages
Altogether, more than 4,400 households have been affected. Roads are cut off in at least three places. Two health centres have flooded. About 500 rai of rice paddies have been damaged. Officials are still checking the full extent of the damage.
Ongoing Risk and Response
The situation in Chiang Rai remains uncertain as rain continues. Authorities are watching conditions closely and are ready to respond quickly if things get worse.
24-Hour Support in Place
The Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has ordered agencies to:
- Warn all districts to keep monitoring for sudden floods, runoff, and rising river levels
- Prepare equipment and staff to help immediately at any time
- Survey damage and provide help to those affected under official guidelines
Stay Informed and Safe
Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, posted a message on social media stating that due to the flood situation in Chiang Rai, the provincial administration, the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation departments, and the district chiefs have gone to the area to help the people, both by moving important items to higher ground and evacuating people to safe places, especially the people who are trapped in the area.
I have additionally ordered the Ministry of Defence to coordinate cooperation in terms of personnel and equipment with the provincial governors to quickly handle this situation, for local administrative organisations and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to take care of preparing consumer goods.
The Ministry of Public Health has prepared medical personnel to be ready 24 hours a day, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Digital Economy, especially the Meteorological Department, are to assess the situation and inform the people periodically.
Please follow news from local government agencies closely, which will be via Cell Broadcast and direct news from the area.
Chiang Rai residents are urged to follow official updates and listen to safety instructions. Staying alert will help keep everyone safe while heavy rain persists. For help with flood emergencies, use the local emergency phone number 119.
Sources: Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre, Chiang Rai Public Relations Office
