CHIANG RAI, Thailand – The Sai Lom Joy market, a prominent border trading hub and tourist attraction in Mae Sai, has been left severely damaged following a major flood. After the waters receded, the area was found to be filled with thick mud and debris, prompting vendors to call on authorities to temporarily close the market to prevent looting as they clean up.
As of September 15, the water level in the Sai Lom Joy market area has reduced to around 30-40 centimeters, allowing authorities and local residents to access parts of the market for the first time since the flooding began on September 11-14. However, thick mud still blankets homes, shops, and streets. The road connecting Hua Fai to Sai Lom Joy remains obstructed by fallen trees, branches, and debris.
Many vendors expressed their distress, stating that the floodwaters had reached as high as the second and third floors of buildings, destroying nearly all their goods. During the peak of the flooding, people had to rely on rooftop deliveries of food and water. Despite this, some valuable items remain scattered throughout the market and streets, as they were not completely submerged or damaged.
In light of this, vendors are pleading with authorities to temporarily close the area to the public until they can recover their belongings and clean their shops. They fear that thieves might take advantage of the situation and steal what little remains of their valuable items.
“Even though the shops are covered in mud and most of the goods are ruined, some valuable items are still left behind. We urge authorities to block access to the market and prevent those unrelated to the clean-up from entering, as we are concerned about the risk of looting,” said one vendor.
The situation at Sai Lom Joy market continues to be dire, with many shopkeepers left with nothing but the daunting task of clearing out the mud and debris. The vendors hope for swift action to ensure their safety and the protection of their remaining assets.
