As the rainy season approaches, local residents in Chiang Mai and surrounding villages are expressing growing concern over the city’s vulnerability to flooding.

“All the vendors and shops are closed; the roads are completely deserted,” a local resident told BNO, highlighting the eerie quiet that has settled over the nation's second largest city and a popular tourist destination for visitors to the north of Thailand. Eyewitness reports indicate that the current water level is already at ankle level, raising alarms among residents and officials alike.

Flooding in Chiang Mai has historically posed significant challenges, with past events leading to extensive property damage and disruption of daily life. The local government is urging residents to prepare for potential emergencies as weather forecasts predict increased rainfall in the coming weeks.

The situation is not being helped by online videos from elsewhere in the region, most notably Chiang Rai, which has seen more severe flooding, but which can cause some to panic.

“We are taking proactive measures to mitigate flood risks, but community awareness is crucial,” stated a city official. “We encourage residents to stay informed and have contingency plans in place.” As the city grapples with these challenges, the situation remains tense.

“We simply want to feel safe in our own communities,” the shopkeeper continued. “The risk of flooding affects all of us.”