The Bangkok Post reported on September 11 that persistent heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, causing dangerous floods and landslides in the north, with at least six people confirmed dead, six injured, thousands affected, and many communities in dire straits.
Heavy rains followed Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm in Asia this year. Typhoon Yagi caused widespread devastation across Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.
On September 11, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that about 9,000 households in northern Thailand were affected by floods.
"Floodwaters are still strong. All agencies are ready to immediately step in to support those affected," Reuters quoted Prime Minister Shinawatra as saying.
In the northernmost province of Chiang Rai, major flooding occurred in Mae Sai, Wiang Pang Kham and Koh Chang communes of Mae Sai district. Floodwaters were about 1 meter deep and flowing strongly.
Residents in flood-affected areas near the overflowing Sai River in Mae Sai district are advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
At Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Nong National Park, also in Mae Sai district, floodwaters are pouring out of Tham Luang cave - which became world-famous for the rescue of a young soccer team trapped in a flooded cave in 2018.
In Mae Fah Luang district, a house was destroyed by a landslide. One resident died, two were seriously injured and another is still missing.
In Muang district, the Kok River overflows into neighboring communities.
The local water authority said the flow of the Kok River was at an extremely high level, 1,000 cubic metres per second, due to water overflowing from Myanmar.
In Mae Chan district, the Chan and Kham Uen rivers have overflowed their banks.
Rescue teams were deployed to help people trapped in their homes in Chiang Rai. Many residents cried out for help, posting pictures on social media of their flooded homes.
In Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai district, two landslides struck Doi Laem on September 11, killing six people and injuring three others. Residents in nearby districts have been warned of possible flash floods and strong currents.
Wat Phasukkaram (Wat Mai Lung Khon) in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district is flooded. 38 people - including 4 monks, 8 novices and Buddhists - are trapped in the temple. People living around the temple are also affected.
With many communities cut off by road closures and flooded infrastructure, local officials are urging people to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel. The aftermath of Typhoon Yagi is expected to have lasting effects, and recovery efforts are likely to continue for weeks to come.
