Drought leaves ships stranded in Mekong River

Chiang Rai, Jan 17 (TNA) - Dozens of cargo ships and luxurious cruises are now left stranded in the Mekong River after water levels of the river have dropped significantly. Officials said severe drought has now hit Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai, causing several parts of Mekong River to be completely dried and automatically affected navigation in the river. Chinese and Laotian cargo ships cannot sail further to the Chiang Saen commercial port and were forced to dock at another port, about 10 kilometres away. Some entrepreneurs have to rent small-sized boats to carry goods and changed to transport goods by trucks to southern China. Water level in the Ruak River which confluences with Mekong River at Golden Triangle area also dropped considerably and sand at the bed of the river could be seen. Tourist ships cannot come to anchor at the pier, forcing tourist passengers to walk on temporary wooden bridges to the ships.(TNA)