Flood warnings issued due to increasing river heights
Severe Flooding Continues to Ravage Northern Thailand
As of late July and early August 2025, severe flooding has been affecting several provinces in northern Thailand, including Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, and their neighboring areas. The primary cause of this flooding is heavy rainfall from Typhoon Wipha and surging rivers like the Kok and Pai Rivers.
In Chiang Rai, water levels along the Kok River in Muang district have reached about 6.11 meters in some areas and are increasing by 5-8 cm per hour. This has prompted alerts to residents to move their belongings to higher ground, with flooding expected to worsen around late afternoon or evening in tambons Huai Chom Phu, Mae Yao, Doi Hang, Wiang, and Rim Kok. Communities in Mae Sai district along the Sai River have been dealing with flooding and debris cleanup.
Mae Hong Son has also been significantly impacted, with the Pai River water level at Muang district recorded at 3.5 meters, exceeding critical levels and flooding agricultural land in tambons Pang Moo and Pha Bong. However, evacuation has not been required yet.
Nan province has suffered extensive flooding, with rainfall of 150-200 mm causing rivers to overflow in Bo Kluea, Chiang Klang, Muang, and Pua districts. This has led to temporary school closures and disruption. A missing person was reported swept away by floodwaters in Tha Wang Pha district, Nan.
Flooding has also affected other northern provinces such as Phayao, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Sukhothai, Phrae, and others due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Wipha.
Authorities, including the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, are actively issuing warnings, conducting evacuations where necessary, and closely monitoring river levels. River levels along the Kok and Pai rivers are being monitored at multiple stations showing critical or above-critical water levels with expected overflows.
Projections indicate that further rainfall and river surges could maintain or worsen flooding through early August, necessitating continued vigilance and preparation in affected northern provinces.
In summary, the current flood situation is severe with active flooding in Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, and adjacent northern provinces, induced by heavy rains from Typhoon Wipha and elevated river levels, especially the Kok and Pai Rivers. The flooding has significant ongoing impacts on communities and infrastructure.
Environmental scientists are closely monitoring the rising water levels along the Kok River in Chiang Rai and the Pai River in Mae Hong Son, as the heavy rains from Typhoon Wipha and surging rivers pose a significant threat to the region. Meanwhile, the ongoing weather patterns continue to exacerbate the flood situation in northern Thailand, particularly in areas such as Nan, where rivers are overflowing due to the excess rainfall.
