More than half of resorts in Pai district of Mae Hong Son were damaged by flashflood on August 13 and local authorities fear it could affect tourism of this popular hill destination during the upcoming high season in winter.
The impact on tourism was assessed by the director of the Office of Natural Resources and Environment Somsak Sapakosolkul on Friday after visiting several villages in Tambon Maehee of Pai district in order to deliver aid to villagers who suffered from the floods.
From the inspection of the villages in Pai, he said more than half of over a hundred resorts and guest houses were damaged, mostly with broken fences, electrical appliances, bedding, etc.
He said owners of these resorts and guesthouses, mostly local people, would need a lot of money to repair everything and be able to welcome tourists again.
One resort owner said the flashflood this year was even worse than the one suffered in 2005. All her investment in her Pai Park resort during the past 10 years had all gone with the flooding last week, she said.
Local authorities said the flashfloods which swept through several villages from Maehee to Wiang Nua in Pai left behind debris, mud, and sand at most resorts. Farmlands were also coveted by mud.
It could take weeks or months to restore everything back to normal before the guesthouses can reopen to welcome tourists again in the upcoming high season, local authorities said.
