Passenger boats moored as Sungai Kolok River rises

Passenger boats moored as Sungai Kolok River rises

Almost 50 boats that normally provide passenger services on the Sungai Kolok River between Thailand and Malaysia are moored at a pier in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat. (Photo by Waedao Harai)
Almost 50 boats that normally provide passenger services on the Sungai Kolok River between Thailand and Malaysia are moored at a pier in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat. (Photo by Waedao Harai)

NARATHIWAT: Passenger boat service on the Sungai Kolok River between Thailand and Malaysia has been severely curtailed, with most craft moored because of rising water levels and strong currents fed by storms.

Continuous heavy downpours have triggered runoff from the San Kala Khiri mountain range into the river, causing it to overflow and flood several districts of this southern province.

In Tak Bai district, almost 50 boats that normally provide service between Thailand and Malaysia were moored at the pier in Ban Jaemae because of rising water and strong currents. Only a few small boats that can carry only one passenger per trip were providing services on Saturday. 

Most people prefer larger craft that can accommodate 4-5 passengers per trip over small ones for safety reasons.

With boat service slowed to a crawl, business in Jaehae village and nearby areas was very quiet, with almost no Malaysian customers crossing over to shop as they normally do.

High water levels on the Sungai Kolok River have led operators to idle their boats. (Photo by Waedao Harai)

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