Chiang Mai civil society and academics recently held a discussion forum titled “Reviving Cultural Heritage: Lanna Weir Systems.” The meeting aimed to exchange views and propose alternatives to the government’s ongoing project to dismantle the Phaya Kham Weir, located on the Ping River. This project is being carried out under the Cabinet resolution passed on March 11, 2025, which approved an urgent plan to address water infrastructure issues in the northern region, including the Ping River and the Kok-Sai River, with a budget of 213 million baht.
Chatchawan Thongdiloet, head of the Chiang Mai Breathe Council, along with other forum participants, issued a statement explaining why the Phaya Kham Weir should not be dismantled. They concluded that the weir is not the main cause of severe flooding in Chiang Mai. Instead, they proposed improving the structure and enhancing the surrounding landscape to increase water flow efficiency while preserving this culturally significant site.
