Thread: Thai-Myanmar border market hit by floods

Border market in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai was flooded after Mae Sai river overflowed banks and flooded houses and border markets along both sides of the river.

The water level in the fast-flowing Mae Sai river overflowed banks following continuous rains that lashed Chiang Rai and several other northern provinces during the past few days and yesterday (July 24).

The fast rising water caused concern for local residents living on both banks of the Mae Sai river as they watched the water surging into the Thalor market and the parking area of a duty-free shop in Myanmar’s Tachileik province.

Meanwhile the water level in the Kok river which flows past Chiang Rai town also rose quickly and strongly.

The strong current swept away a sand sucking boat of a private firm and boats and pontoon of Chiang Rai Provincial Administration. All were swept and stuck at a water gate of a dyke blocking the flow of water from the river to the Mekong river.

The blockade caused the river water to spill over the bank and inundate houses and shops in the area. At some location, the flood is over one metre high.

Owner of the sucking boat still could not salvage the boat as the current remained strong.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department issued a weather warning of the approaching tropical storm “Sonca” which is now moving westward from the upper South China Sea to the Vietnamese shore and is expected to come ashore today (July 25).

The storm will have widespread impact on Thailand with heavy to very heavy rains in most parts of the country from today until it Saturday (July 29).

The warning, issued at 9am today, said the tropical storm “Sonca” over the upper South China Sea was centered about 190 kilometers east of Vinh, Vietnam.

It is moving westward slowly with maximum sustained wind about 65 km/hr. This storm is forecast to make landfall over Vietnam on 25 July and downgrade to tropical depression and low pressure cell, respectively.

It is expected to flow past Laos, the upper Northeast and the North of Thailand.

Abundant rain with isolated heavy to very heavy rain over country. Details of affected areas are as below:

During 25-26 July

North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun

Northeast: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen Yasothon, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani.

East: Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

During 27-28 July

North:Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak.

Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima,

East: Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

People should beware of severe weather conditions that cause possible flash floods until 28 July 2017, the department said. All travelers should stay tuned for the weather update.

Thai-Myanmar border market hit by floods - Thai PBS English News

Sonca 25/7/17

Today 12.30pm