Rivers in Thailand
Rivers in Thailand
The Rivers of Thailand have also shaped Thailand’s history and economy. Several cities have flourished beside these rivers, like the capital Bangkok itself, serving as a perfect spot for tourism and trading, and hence improving the economy.
The rivers also served as the most popular medium of transport before the coming of vehicles, as people used their boats to travel from one place to another. Thailand was called as ‘Venice of the East’ as several shops, theatres and restaurants could be accessed only by a boat ride on the canals. Floating markets are a very popular destination for tourists who can buy souvenirs and interact with the locals.
There are large power-plants and other industries that serve electricity as well as other basic needs and demands to the ever growing population of Thailand.
Here is the list of 3 Rivers in Thailand
1. Chao Phraya
Chao Phraya is one of the major rivers of Thailand that goes south to the Gulf of Thailand, along with many tributaries and canals that originate from this river. Chao Phraya, when translated gives ‘River of Kings’, oweing to its length of 372 kilommeters and the purpose it serves. It flows through a major part of country and forms a low alluvial plain in the central region, giving rise to the rich agriculture of the country. It originates at the meeting of Ping and Nan river at Nakhon Sawan.
2. Mae Klong River
Also spelled as meklong river, Mae Klong river covers the western region of the country. It originates at Kanchanaburi at the confluence of two rivers - Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai, flows south and drains into the Gulf of Thailand in Samut Songkhram Province. This 145 km long river is the country’s premier stingray fishing spot for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts. There are hundreds of waterways, canals and tributaries that make their way to different cities from this river.
3. Mekong River
Mekong is a river in south-east Asia that is 7th longest in Asia and 12th longest in the world, with a total length of 4350 km. Known as Mai Nam Khing in Thailand and flowing in the north-east part of the country, it contributes a major share of fish stock in Thailand. It’s influence on Thai culture isn’t much prominent, but since it provides thousands of people their source of living it is one of the important rivers of Thailand. Some of the tributaries that originate from this river are Mun, Ing, Ruak and Kok river.
Thailand has over 25 river basins, with rainwater being the main source of water. Since it is a tropical country, it is blessed with abundant rainfall which gives a good volume to the rivers. However in the recent years with the ever growing population and modernisation, river pollution has been increased to such a level that many are forced to drink contaminated water. Agriculture, Industrial waste and household waste are the main reasons. The government of Thailand is trying its level best to remove river pollution as much as possible. However, it is the duty of tourists also not to throw garbage and waste into the rivers as these rivers are the source of livelihood for millions of people.