Derelict outpost
Re: Toxic threat sweeps all before it", (BP, Dec 1). Your recent report left me more than a little confused about a village I have known for 37 years. The description bore little resemblance to the village I visit maybe four times a week when I visit my local supermarket or withdraw money from the ATM. Those golden years of rafting took place before the highway was constructed over the mountain range.
There were also regular long-tailed boats, the quick way in those days to Chiang Rai. But once a decent highway, the 107-1089, was cut through the hills, Tha Ton was reachable by lunchtime, and the need for an overnight stay was removed.
Trekking trips dried up many years ago, and the cheaper hotels that relied on them are just about all gone.
For a while, large bus groups of Chinese passed through either going to or from Doi Mae Salong, but they disappeared after the Covid-19 outbreak. A new boat pier opposite the Saranya Hotel looked like efforts to revive tourism were underway, but the riverfront and part of the pier were destroyed by the huge flood 15 months ago and still haven't been repaired.
For the few tourists who do arrive, there are few good eating places, no bustling night market and one nightlife bar/entertainment venue. Much of the riverfront is derelict, and only the Saranya and the recently rebuilt restaurant opposite look modern, clean and reputable.
Far more worrying for us who live here is the effect of the toxins on the food coming from the river-edge fields, irrigated by water in blue pipes still visible coming from the Kok River. One obvious truth from your report is that local authorities appear to be doing nothing to halt that activity, to ensure our markets are not selling poisonous goods and offer us clear information on where the toxins stop.
