The Thai government has announced plans to discuss with officials in Tachileik, Myanmar, the demolition of structures encroaching on the Sai River from both sides to widen the water channel.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, said at a press briefing on Saturday that removing structures and obstructions will help prevent future flooding of the Sai River.

Mr. Phumtham led a Defence Council meeting to discuss the Thai military’s role in recovering the flood-hit Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai and strategies for future flood management.

He noted that the recent flooding caused unprecedented devastation. He pointed out the large amount of mud from Myanmar’s mines that washed into Mae Sai due to strong currents in the Sai River, along with many fallen trees. The military is now helping remove mud that still covers many roads, houses, and stores in downtown Mae Sai.

During the meeting, Mr. Phumtham showed aerial images of the Sai River, which indicated that some sections are now only 20 meters wide due to human encroachment. He added that these illegal structures would make it impossible to widen the river channel for better water flow.

He stated that the encroachment issue would be addressed before discussions with the Myanmar government, and relocating the town would be the last option.

Mr. Phumtham also noted that the 9 billion baht emergency allocation for flood victims is insufficient to cover the losses from the flooding.

Meanwhile, officials are removing the mud left on roads and homes by the flooding in preparation for the high season.

Many residents of Mae Sai, especially those in low-lying areas, cannot return home. Many communities face blocked sewer drains, which keep the muddy water, about knee-deep, from draining.

As a precaution against more rain in the coming days, officials and volunteers are reinforcing embankments along the Sai River beyond the Sai Lom Joi market.