In Chiang Rai, the Lao and Kon Rivers have overflowed, flooding Pa O Don Chai Subdistrict in Mueang Chiang Rai District and affecting 50 households. The provincial governor ordered urgent assistance for residents and close monitoring of the situation due to the risk of rising water levels.
Water situation in Chiang Rai Province Close monitoring remains necessary after continuous accumulated rainfall in upper areas caused rapid rises in the Lao and Kon Rivers, leading to flooding of homes in Pa O Don Chai Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District. Initially, 50 households have been affected. All agencies have mobilized to assist, monitor, and issue warnings to residents around the clock.
At 11:45 a.m. on 31 July 2026, the water level at Khua Rong Khun on the Lao River near Ban Rong Khun was 4.69 meters, with a flow rate of 209 cubic meters per second. This caused the water to overflow and flood riverside and low-lying areas in Pa O Don Chai Subdistrict rapidly.
Preliminary reports indicate that Ban Rong Khun, Village 1, located next to the Lao River, has had water flooding 10 households, with levels continuing to rise. Meanwhile, Ban San Sali, Village 5, near the Kon River, has 40 households affected, totaling at least 50 homes impacted. Local government officials and related agencies are conducting detailed damage assessments to expedite assistance in all aspects.
Mr. Sirimongkol Kamdee, mayor of Pa O Don Chai Municipality, said that continuous rainfall over recent days caused the Kon River to overflow and flood residents’ homes. At the same time, the Lao River's water level behind Rong Khun Market rose rapidly, flooding riverside and low-lying areas at multiple points.
Pa O Don Chai Municipality is coordinating with administrative officials, village heads, and related agencies to continuously warn residents in risk areas. They have prepared sandbags, survival kits, and personnel to support residents if the situation worsens or if more rain falls.
However, there is some relief as water levels at the Pong Fu Fuang measurement point on the Lao River have begun to decrease. It is expected that after the main water mass passes, the situation will gradually ease if no heavy rain occurs in the upper watershed.
Mr. Chucheep Pongchai, governor of Chiang Rai Province, ordered the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office to integrate efforts with the district, local governments, village heads, and all related agencies to closely monitor the situation, expedite damage assessments, and urgently assist affected residents. Continuous monitoring of water levels in all river basins is required as rainfall persists and there is a risk of further rises.
The Chiang Rai provincial authorities urge residents living along the Lao and Kon Rivers and in low-lying areas to closely follow official warnings. If heavy or continuous rain or rapid water rises occur, they should promptly move belongings to higher ground and follow official safety advice to protect lives and property.