Chiang Rai, Thailand – April 30, 2025 – Communities along the Thai-Myanmar border were left grappling with severe flooding Tuesday after the Sai River overflowed, inundating homes, markets, and streets in Mae Sai district. The deluge, triggered by torrential rains upstream in Myanmar, sent floodwaters cascading into low-lying neighborhoods, with dramatic footage on social media showing waist-high water engulfing the bustling Sai Lom Joy market and nearby Ta Lor market in Myanmar’s Tachilek township.

Out of Season Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Eastern Banglamung

Videos circulating online revealed the extent of the damage, with the Koh Sai and Mai Lung Khon communities in downtown Mae Sai transformed into waterways. Stalls at the popular Sai Lom Joy market were partially submerged, while merchants scrambled to salvage goods. Across the border, Myanmar’s Ta Lor market faced similar chaos as the floodwaters surged unchecked.

Warayut Khomboon, Mae Sai district chief, pointed to heavy rainfall in Myanmar’s highlands as the primary cause, explaining that the runoff overwhelmed the Sai River’s capacity. “The water came down rapidly, and the river simply couldn’t contain it,” he said.

Massive floods hit Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai, Thailand after intense rainfall 🇹🇭 #ThailandFloods #FloodAlert pic.twitter.com/JWZLhp1YnC

— Facts Prime (@factsprime35) April 29, 2025

The flooding has raised concerns about the effectiveness of a joint Thai-Myanmar riverbank protection project designed to mitigate such disasters. The initiative, which involved dredging 20 kilometers of the Sai and Ruak rivers and removing old barriers, was meant to reinforce flood defenses near the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. However, critics argue that the removal of sandbags and walls may have worsened the overflow, allowing water to spill freely into both countries.

Authorities are now assessing the damage, with emergency teams deployed to assist affected residents. While no casualties have been reported, the economic toll on local businesses—particularly market vendors—is expected to be significant.

Heavy Rain and Flood Warnings Issued for Southern Thailand

As water levels gradually recede, officials warn that more rain could exacerbate the situation, urging communities to remain vigilant.

-Thailand News (TN)