A frantic mission is underway in Chiang Rai, where rising floodwaters have forced officials to evacuate more than 1,000 pigs from a waterlogged farm—one tiny boatload at a time.
Yesterday, July 24, disaster prevention officials, rescue teams, and local police descended on Ban Huai Khrai Kao in the Mueang subdistrict of Thoeng district. Their mission: to save around 1,300 pigs trapped on a flooded farm about 1 kilometre from the main road, surrounded by water as deep as 2 metres in some areas.
With land access cut off, rescuers are relying on small boats to ferry the animals to dry ground. The pigs are first placed into cages before being loaded onto boats, which then make the slow trip to trucks waiting roadside. Flat-bottom boats can carry up to eight pigs per trip, while longtail boats manage only two, meaning the operation could stretch into the early hours of today, July 25.
Somyot Chanpunga, village headman of the Mueang subdistrict, said, “We’ve managed to move about 20% of the pigs so far, but sadly six have died. The water keeps rising, and the small boats can only carry so many.”
The situation has become more urgent with water levels continuing to climb, fuelled by overflow from the Lao and Ing Rivers. Multiple communities in the area remain under threat, including Ban Huai Rames, Ban Mai, Ban Wiang Tai, Ban Rong Kham Pom, Ban Thung Khun Chai, Ban Wiang, Ban Phra Koet, and Ban Tang Khao.
Authorities have issued safety warnings urging residents in low-lying zones to move bedridden patients, elderly relatives, and young children to safer locations. Locals have also been told to move valuables and livestock to higher ground where possible, reported KhaoSod.
Despite the difficulties, local officials and volunteers are pressing on. With only limited daylight and tough conditions, they say the mission will continue overnight if needed.
“This is not just about livestock,” said Somyot. “It’s about protecting livelihoods and making sure no one—man or animal—is left behind.”
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