MAE HONG SON – Authorities are rushing to restore areas hit by flash floods and landslides. The latest checks show damage much greater than first thought. Highway 108 is still impassable. Completion of the Bailey bridge is expected by 1 September. The search continues for a missing couple swept away by floodwaters. The mother, relatives, and rescue teams have not given up despite no signs so far.
The impact of tropical storm Kajiki, which struck Mae Hong Son in the early hours of 27 August, has been severe. Damage has been reported across several districts, especially Khun Yuam and Pang Mapha. In total, ten subdistricts and fifty-six villages have been affected (five subdistricts and twenty-eight villages in Mueang Mae Hong Son, and five subdistricts and twenty-eight villages in Khun Yuam).
There has been one death, one person injured, and two still missing. Thirty homes have suffered damage. Altogether, 5,485 people from 1,567 households are affected.
The worst-hit areas are two subdistricts in Mueang Mae Hong Son, Phabong and Huai Pong. Phabong has experienced the largest flood in over twenty years. While flooding has occurred before, this event has caused far greater damage.
Ekawit Meephian, the provincial governor, ordered every department to deploy manpower and machines to start clearing and cleaning as soon as water levels dropped on 28 August. Officials found that the real damage was more extensive than previous estimates, especially to houses, cars, livestock, and possessions.
Public utilities have also been affected. Electricity, water supply, and phone lines are disrupted. Route 108 sustained road surface damage for over 80 metres. At Huai Pong Bridge, which links Mueang Mae Hong Son and Khun Yuam, the bridge was washed away.
The bridge construction and repair unit from Phichit is now installing a Bailey bridge. Completion is planned for 1 September 2568 (2025), but other routes used for farming are still being surveyed for damage.
For the two people still missing in Huai Pong, the mother of one said at Huai Pong Temple that her son and daughter-in-law were taken by floodwaters. There is no word yet on their fate. She prays every day for their safe return or at least for their bodies to be found.
Wiboon Phoppongphai, one of the search team members and a relative of both missing people, said they have searched along the water’s path for two days with the help of friends and local officials. They still have not found the bodies, which might be buried under mud or sand. The search continues.
At the time of the incident, two neighbours were also at the scene, on the western side of the village. When they spotted the rising water, they quickly moved their children and car to the forest office to shelter. The wife of the missing man wanted to retrieve something left behind. Both went back to the house, but were then swept away by a sudden torrent.
Now, help has come from many directions. Government agencies, private firms, and charities have sent clothes and supplies to the disaster zone, in partnership with the Mae Hong Son Red Cross. Some areas are still hard to reach due to broken bridges, collapsed roads, and mudslides blocking access. Relief teams are working hard to reach those cut off by the flooding.
Mae Hong Son, a serene province in northern Thailand, is nestled amidst misty mountains and lush valleys, often referred to as the “Land of Three Mists” due to its foggy landscapes. Known for its rich cultural tapestry, it blends Thai, Shan, and hill tribe traditions, with vibrant festivals like the Poi Sang Long ordination ceremony.
The capital, also named Mae Hong Son, features tranquil temples like Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, offering panoramic views, and the serene Pai River. Its remote location near the Myanmar border adds to its charm, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
