Flash Floods Devastate Karen Long Neck Village in Mae Hong Son
Flash floods devastated the Karen Long Neck village of Huay Sua Thao in Mae Hong Son on August 20, destroying shops and a bridge that cut residents off from the outside world. Authorities are assessing damage and working to restore access r
Mae Hong Son — Flash floods have swept through the renowned Karen Long Neck tourist village of Huay Sua Thao in Pha Bong subdistrict, Mueang district, Mae Hong Son province. The raging stream destroyed the souvenir shop zone, washing away merchandise, and swept away a wooden bridge that connects the community to the outside world. Residents have been cut off from the outside.
On August 20, 2025, heavy rainfall throughout Mueang district triggered flash floods, sudden inundation, and mudslides across multiple villages. The Huay Sua Thao area was particularly hard hit, with the swollen stream flowing violently through the center of the village. The souvenir shop zone suffered severe damage, with large quantities of goods swept away by the floodwaters.
The wooden bridge spanning the stream at the center of Huay Sua Thao, which connects the Karen community to the outside, was destroyed by the floods.
During the incident, Karen residents living near the waterway evacuated and moved to higher ground. Many houses in Huay Sua Thao located near the stream and along the village entrance road were flooded.
Community leaders, along with senior officials, administrative staff, local government representatives, Mae Hong Son Provincial Organization volunteers, the Pha Bong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and related agencies, deployed to the area to assess the situation and provide urgent assistance to residents. They are working to evaluate damage and restore access routes as quickly as possible.
Authorities urged residents to exercise caution during travel due to ongoing strong currents and to stay in close contact with local officials.
