Flooding in Mueang and Mae Sai districts has resulted in approximately 68,000 tonnes of garbage that requires disposal, as reported by Surin Worakijthamrong, deputy director-general of the Pollution Control Department. As of now, only about 9,400 tonnes have been cleared, leaving an estimated 43,600 tonnes in Mueang district and 15,000 tonnes in Mae Sai district awaiting removal.
Surin indicated that both temporary garbage separation sites are currently at capacity, necessitating the search for additional locations. He highlighted the need for increased funding to secure land for temporary storage of the waste.
Jatuporn Buruspat, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, noted that two potential land plots have been identified for waste storage. One site, measuring 0.32 hectares, can accommodate around 4,000 tonnes of trash, while another site in the Pa Kor Dam sub-district spans eight hectares.
The majority of the waste consists of damaged household items, including furniture and mattresses. Additionally, the Mueang district faces challenges due to the flooding’s impact on the wastewater treatment facility, which remains in need of repairs.
