Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The devastating floods sweeping across Thailand have claimed over 50 lives in the north this year and more than 25 recently in the south. According to Pianporn “Pai” Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for International Rivers, human actions are significantly responsible for this catastrophe.

 

Speaking out, Pianporn identifies deforestation, dam construction, and river encroachment as the leading culprits behind the devastation. The relentless clearing of forests, particularly for corn cultivation to feed livestock, not only drives flooding but also contributes to the seasonal PM2.5 haze blanketing northern Thailand. It’s a dire situation, leaving locals trapped in a state of "half flood, half haze,” as Pianporn remarks.

 

Adding to the turmoil is illegal mining in Myanmar’s Shan State, which analyses reveal may reflect a surge in gold mining activities following Myanmar's political coup three years ago. The lack of a media or civil presence in the region shrouds such operations in secrecy, worsening the problem.

 

“In Myanmar, there are fewer reports because journalism is absent, leaving room for activities like mining in the Mae Sai River’s upper reaches. These operations trigger ‘mud floods’ affecting both Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai and Myanmar’s Tachileik district,” highlights Pianporn.

 

Sediments from deforestation pile onto communities, amplifying flood damage. In Mae Sai, recovery efforts are ongoing, with locals working tirelessly to clear mud from their homes.

Additionally, upstream dam operations, particularly those on the Mekong River, exacerbate northern Thailand’s flooding. Recent rains in southern Yunnan, China, prompted dam water releases that impede floodwater drainage in areas like Chiang Rai, Pianporn explains.

 

“The flood this year relates to dam operations on the Mekong because rainfall in southern Yunnan caused the dams to release water."

 

Given the interconnected nature of these waterways, Pianporn urges collaboration among governments, including China, for effective water resource management.

 

Another flood factor is encroachment along riverbanks. A historian informed Pianporn that parts of Chiang Rai, now settled, were historically river courses—unknown to many present-day residents.

 

“I talked with a historian. My foundation’s office in Chiang Rai is actually on an ancient river course,” she recounts.

 

Pianporn argues against flood walls, warning of potential failure and advocates for nature-based solutions like “sponge cities,” integrating urban spaces with natural water bodies. In some high-risk areas, relocating communities may be necessary but must be approached with fairness and inclusivity, ensuring those affected receive appropriate compensation.

 

Addressing these challenges requires working with nature and bringing diverse stakeholders together. “The key is to understand the real problems, identify main factors, and engage a wide array of voices—experts, farmers, engineers, and urban residents,” emphasises Pianporn.

 

Collective action and an inclusive dialogue among these parties are vital to crafting sustainable solutions to this ongoing crisis, she stresses, citing a report from the Bangkok Post.

 

 

-- 2024-12-09

 

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The devastating floods sweeping across Thailand have claimed over 50 lives in the north this year and more than 25 recently in the south. According to Pianporn “Pai” Deetes, Southeast Asia Programme Director for International Rivers, human actions are significantly responsible for this catastrophe.

Until Bangkok comes to a standstill nothing will change

A few very good points there

At least they are not blaming CO2 emissions for such disasters.

What company is behind all this mysery? If wanted, they could solve this problem in a heartbeat. But yeah, profit is more important than the health of the people here. 

There is  no human actions to blame only the lack of investment of the Government. Every year the same problems, but the Government is doin nothing about it. Many years ago teh Netherlands offered help but it was refused as Thailand claimed they enough experts to solve the water problems. And in the 20 years I live in Thailand not 1 dike was built or rivers were maintained or any investment to prevent it. No just the opposite.. Building house and buildings everywhere so the water can't go anywhere anymore. 

And after this rainy season again nothing will be done and next year the same problem or worse as the climate change can bring more water

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Nie ma ludzkich działań, które można winić tylko brak inwestycji rządu. Co roku te same problemy, ale rząd nie robi z tym nic. Wiele lat temu Holandia zaoferowała pomoc, ale odmówiono jej, ponieważ Tajlandia twierdziła, że wystarczająco dużo ekspertów rozwiązała problemy z wodą. A w ciągu 20 lat, w których mieszkam w Tajlandii, nie zbudowano 1 wałów, ani rzeki zostały utrzymane, ani jakakolwiek inwestycja, aby temu zapobiec. Nie w ten sam, w którym nie jest... Budowanie domów i budynków wszędzie, aby woda nie mogła już nigdzie iść.

I po tej deszczowej porze ponownie nic nie zostanie zrobione, a w przyszłym roku ten sam problem lub gorszy, ponieważ zmiana klimatu może przynieść więcej wody

 

Government corruption. Money goes to pockets.

16 hours ago, KireB said:

What company is behind all this mysery? If wanted, they could solve this problem in a heartbeat. But yeah, profit is more important than the health of the people here. 

???? What do you want to say ?????

A "company" is responsible for almost 100 fatalities???

Which company shall it be???

Very confusing post 😳🥺🥴

China again? They never stop giving.

On 12/9/2024 at 10:23 AM, webfact said:

stakeholders

 

This word is the dead giveaway- globalist talking point. 

 

The rest of the article is best summed up as "same as it ever was".