Bangkok (VNA) - The Mekong River in Nong Khai province of Thailand has fallen to 1.37 metres, far below the 9.16-metre critical level, according to local officials.
The low water levels expose wide sandbanks across six riverside districts and allowing residents in some areas to walk from the Thai bank to river islets on the Lao side.
The affected areas include six Mekong riverside districts namely Sangkhom, Si Chiang Mai, Tha Bo, Mueang Nong Khai, Phon Phisai and Rattanawapi.
One notable area is near Ban Mo in Ban Mo subdistrict, Si Chiang Mai district, where residents have been able to walk back and forth between the Thai bank and Don Ching Choo, a large islet belonging to Laos.
In certain spots, residents from both Thailand and Laos have also been able to walk down to catch fish without using boats. Some of the newly exposed sandy stretches have even been turned into makeshift sports grounds for exercise.
Thailand has officially entered the summer season, and persistently rising temperatures are sharply reducing water levels in Nong Khai, with the Mekong River recording a particularly severe decline./.
China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand conduct joint patrols along Mekong River
China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand carried out their 160th joint patrol and law enforcement operation along the Mekong River from December 26-29, involving about approximately 170 personnel and six patrol vessels.
