Thailand and Myanmar discuss Mae Sai River illegal structures

Thai officials are set to engage in discussions with Myanmar regarding illegal structures along the Mae Sai River, aiming to address the flood crisis in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced.

Severe flooding has inundated the district, leaving a thick layer of mud as waters receded, prompting these high-level talks.

Phumtham, who also serves as defence minister, revealed that the relief operations centre will convene next Tuesday, October 15, to discuss potential collaboration with Myanmar. Both the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Armed Forces have coordinated with Myanmar to set the stage for these discussions.

Phumtham highlighted that the illegal settlements encroaching on both sides of the Mae Sai River are likely to be dismantled to ensure proper water flow and mitigate future flood risks. This action may involve relocating communities currently residing in these encroachments.

When questioned about the possibility of land expropriation for relocating these communities, Phumtham clarified that relocation would only be considered as a last resort if no other solutions are found.

As an immediate measure, the Mae Sai River will undergo dredging to enhance its water retention capacity. Satellite imagery has shown the river has narrowed to just 20 metres.

Chiang Mai flooding

In Chiang Mai, over 700 workers have been deployed to support rehabilitation efforts following a second wave of flooding that resulted in five fatalities. Several low-lying areas in Saraphi district remain submerged, and irrigation officials are working swiftly to pump out the water.

The Chao Phraya dam has reduced its water discharge downstream, which may benefit provinces along the river, including Greater Bangkok. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) reported that the dam released 2,000 cubic metres per second (m³/s) at noon, a reduction of 47m³/s from earlier in the day. This decrease is expected to lower water levels in Sing Buri, Ang Thong, and Ayutthaya.

The RID stated that the dam will continue to hold back water to alleviate issues for downstream residents. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is also closely monitoring the Chao Phraya’s flow. The capital and its surrounding areas are on flood alert until next week, as rising river levels could combine with high tides from the Gulf of Thailand and additional rainfall. The BMA reported that water levels at monitoring stations in Bang Khen, Phra Nakhon, and Bang Na districts remained below flood barriers yesterday.

RID official Chavalit Chalorm noted that the monitoring station in Bang Sai district, Ayutthaya, which influences water situations in Greater Bangkok, recorded a flow of 1,850m³/s, just half of the Chao Phraya’s full capacity, reported Bangkok Post.

“Residents in Bangkok and the vicinity can rest assured that there will be no flooding in your areas.”