Introduction
As the rainy season of 2025 approaches, dredging operations along the Kok River in Chiang Rai have entered a critical phase. More than ten excavators and heavy machinery are actively working near Chiang Rai Beach in the Muang district. The dredging project, aimed at mitigating flood risks, is part of a wider flood prevention strategy initiated by the local government. The project is not only vital for protecting homes and businesses but also illustrates the complex balance between environmental management and public safety.
Understanding the Need for Dredging
Chiang Rai’s geography makes it particularly vulnerable to seasonal flooding. During the rainy months, water levels in the Kok River rise sharply, often spilling over the banks and damaging nearby infrastructure. Each year, sandbanks naturally form during the dry season, causing the river channel to become narrower and more shallow. These sandbanks, while a tourist attraction during the dry months, pose a serious problem when water levels surge.
The dredging operations now underway are focused on removing these deposits and deepening the river channel. By increasing the river’s capacity to carry water, the risk of overflow and subsequent flooding is significantly reduced. Additionally, the soil and sand collected during the dredging process are being used to reinforce the riverbanks, adding another layer of protection against rising waters.
A Community on Alert
The ongoing dredging project has drawn attention not only for its scale but also for its impact on the local community. The Muang district, where the machinery is operating, is densely populated and features numerous local businesses and vendors. Many residents remember the severe flooding that occurred last year, which caused widespread damage to property and disrupted livelihoods.
One such resident is Amphon Inta, a 70-year-old food vendor who operates her shop right next to the dredging site. For Amphon and others like her, the dredging operations represent both hope and concern. Last year’s floods forced her to use up her savings and take on debt just to stay afloat. Now, she’s taking precautions, moving valuables to higher ground and staying prepared for potential emergencies.
While Amphon supports the dredging project and believes it helps reduce the flood threat, she also worries about possible health risks from the dredged soil. There have been expert warnings about potential heavy metal contamination—particularly arsenic—in the soil being removed from the riverbed. Despite these warnings, no specific safety protocols have been implemented to deal with the contaminated sediment. For now, the sand and soil remain on-site and are not being repurposed for construction or agriculture.
Amphon’s concerns reflect a broader issue: how to ensure environmental and public health while carrying out urgent flood control measures. She believes the government should address both the immediate flood threat and the long-term health risks associated with the dredging operations.
Government Action and Infrastructure Improvements
Chiang Rai Governor Charin Thongsuk recently provided an update on the province’s flood prevention efforts. According to his office, the region has 126 small and medium-sized reservoirs that are currently at 53% capacity, holding approximately 190.8 million cubic meters of water. These levels are within manageable limits, but ongoing efforts are needed to ensure readiness for potential heavy rainfall.
In addition to the Kok River dredging project, similar dredging operations are being carried out across the province. Work is being done in reservoirs, retention ponds, and in front of weirs. Over 5 million cubic meters of soil have already been removed in these areas to improve water storage and flow.
To further enhance flood response, the provincial government has installed four automatic telemetry stations in Mae Sai. These stations monitor water levels in real-time, allowing for quicker response in case of rising waters. Additionally, 21 staff gauges will soon be installed along the Kok and Sai rivers to track water levels more accurately. Residents living along the rivers have also been trained to assist in early warning dissemination, creating a more responsive and informed community.
Balancing Benefits and Risks
While the benefits of the dredging project are clear—reduced flooding, better water flow, and reinforced riverbanks—the concerns about environmental and public health risks cannot be ignored. Experts emphasize the need for soil testing and monitoring, especially when there are indications of heavy metal contamination. The long-term presence of arsenic in dredged soil could pose risks to both human health and the ecosystem, especially if the material is mishandled or repurposed without proper treatment.
The local government has so far not announced any measures to test or treat the dredged material. This has led to calls from community members and environmental groups for more transparent communication and the implementation of safety protocols. Residents like Amphon are doing what they can to stay safe—avoiding contact with freshly dredged soil and relying on natural drying processes—but many agree that more formal interventions are needed.
Conclusion
The dredging project along Chiang Rai’s Kok River is a crucial component of the province’s 2025 flood prevention strategy. With over 10 excavators deepening river channels and reinforcing banks, the initiative represents a significant investment in infrastructure and community safety. However, the project also raises important questions about environmental responsibility and public health.
As Chiang Rai moves forward with its dredging operations, balancing the benefits of flood prevention with the risks of soil contamination will be essential. Continued monitoring, clear communication, and the implementation of health safeguards will be key to ensuring that the dredging project protects not only the land but also the people who call it home.