Both foreign and Thai tourists helped local residents and officials in a big cleanup on Sunday to clear the main road in Pai district of Mae Hong Son of the leftovers from a flash flood which swept through this mountainous tourist attraction on Friday.
Water from the overflowing Pai river has receded to normal leaving behind tonnes of mud and garbage on the road, in houses and resorts which need to be disposed of to return the town to normal business.
Pai chief district officer Thanakrit Chanthachamrassilp mobilized all local administration units in the district as well as troops from the 5th infantry battalion, policemen and local residents to carry out a big cleanup Sunday. Thai and foreign tourists who are still in the district also offered a helping hand.
However, there is widespread concern that flash flood may return for another round because of the heavy rains on the mountains where the Pai, Nam Lang and Nam Khong rivers originate.
Muang district chief officer Pisit Kitboon-anan has instructed all local leaders in the district to warn residents and operators of riverside resorts to be on the alert to brace for more possible floods in the coming days.
