Chiang Mai is currently grappling with one of the worst floods in its history as the Ping River has surged to an unprecedented level. As of today, the water level at the Saphan Nawarat (P1) station has reached a staggering 5.25 meters, surpassing the previous record of 4.95 meters set in September 2011. The river is still rising slowly, increasing by an average of 1 centimeter per hour, although the good news is that this rate is finally beginning to slow.

This flood has brought the city to a near standstill, affecting virtually every aspect of daily life. Delivery services like Grab and Lazada have ceased operations due to road closures, leaving residents unable to order food or essential items. Adding to the difficulty, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has cut off power in large sections of the city (including my condo building) to prevent electrical hazards, plunging many neighborhoods into darkness.

For those trying to leave or enter the city, the situation is no better. Chiang Mai International Airport remains operational, but getting to the airport has become an arduous task. With major roads submerged or blocked off, it’s taking travelers upwards of three hours to reach the terminal, and in many cases, more.

The flooding has exposed critical infrastructure issues. Broken sewage lines and malfunctioning drainage systems are exacerbating the problem, preventing water from draining effectively. The city is caught in a waiting game—whether the water will drain or evaporate first remains to be seen.

As residents navigate this crisis, the resilience of the community is on full display. While the city waits for relief, officials and locals alike are doing everything in their power to mitigate the damage and prevent further catastrophe.

The severity of this flood serves as a reminder of Chiang Mai's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions and the urgent need for long-term solutions to fortify the city against future natural disasters. We’ll see if the government plans to do anything about it before this time next year.