Short Story: The Year of Wet

Day 167 of Songkran

No one remembers the exact moment it stopped being fun.

Some say it was the influencer livestreaming from Tha Phae Gate, shrieking with glee on Day 12 as the rain started falling again, unseasonal and heavy. Others say it was Day 37, when the military trucks joined the parade—no orders, just cannons and chaos. But most agree it was the mountains. When the gangs tapped the mountain lines, when the streams were bled dry to flood the streets of Chiang Mai, that’s when Songkran became something else. Something permanent.

The water doesn’t stop.

They call them the Hose Kings now. Kids who once sold buckets on the roadside now patrol intersections with PVC guns, pressurized with stolen pumps. Entire sois are walled off, guarded with makeshift barricades and diesel-fueled slip’n’slides. You want to cross the moat? You pay the toll—usually a soaked passport or a boot full of ice water. Maybe both.

Tourists who didn’t leave by Day 60 are either prisoners or soldiers. There’s no neutrality anymore. You’re in a crew, or you’re prey.

Electricity’s patchy at best. The government tried to cut the water main on Day 103—drones caught the attempt, and by morning, the water warriors had repelled the workers with high-pressure hoses and frozen balloons packed like grenades. One of them hit a lineman in the neck. He drowned standing up.

In the old city, the Wetside Syndicate controls from Moon Muang to Ratchadamnoen. They’ve got the pressure guns, fire hoses, even one of those old riot trucks refitted with a DJ booth on top. Their leader wears a snorkel mask full-time and speaks only through a megaphone. No one's seen his real face since Day 88.

On the Nimman side, the Aqua Marauders run things. Flashier, more brutal. They’ve built ziplines between cafes, sniper perches in co-working spaces. Their weapons are artisanal—hand-carved teak super-soakers, insulated to hold ice longer. They say one of them modified a hydro pump to break glass at 30 meters.

Food’s running low. Even the pad thai stalls gave up. Who wants to fry an egg when it’ll get doused before it hits the plate? Most of us eat what we can steal—instant noodles softened by the air, bread soaked beyond saving. Salt’s the real currency now. Keeps the mold off your stuff.

Some of us remember when this was a celebration. Cleansing, renewal, joy.

Now it’s war.

Day 167 and the skies show no sign of mercy. Rain at dawn, thunder at dusk. The rivers have turned on us. Every pipe leads to a barrel, every barrel to a cannon. There are whispers of a resistance—dry rooms deep in the basements of malls, where people wear socks and sip tea. But no one’s seen them. Maybe they’re just legends.

Tonight, I sleep in a plastic poncho, wrapped in garbage bags, dreaming of the desert.

Or maybe I don’t sleep. Not here. Not when every splash could be a warning.

The water’s everywhere now. And it’s winning.

Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai: A Quiet Celebration from the Balcony

Loi Krathong is one of Chiang Mai's most magical festivals. The city lights up as people float krathongs (decorative floats) down the Ping River and release lanterns into the sky, creating a sea of glowing lights. It’s a tradition steeped in gratitude, honoring the water goddess and symbolizing the release of negativity.

But this year, did I feel like braving the heat, the throngs of tourists, and the chaos of loud voices and overflowing drinks? Absolutely not.

Instead, I opted for a quieter celebration, one that felt just as special. My puppy and I made our way to the balcony, away from the bustle of the streets below. As fireworks burst over the skyline, painting the night with brilliant colors, we watched from the comfort of home.

In the quiet moments between the booms, I found a different kind of gratitude—the joy of a calm evening, a good view, and the company of a wagging tail.

Sometimes, it’s not about being in the crowd; it’s about finding your own way to celebrate. And this year, mine just happened to involve less lanterns and more puppy cuddles.

Early Sunday Lunch

Motorbike Before / After Flood

My motorbike was parked on an elevated spot, but even that couldn’t save it from the flood. The difference between the spotless red bike I parked and the mud-covered mess it turned into is pretty shocking. I had Honda come to pick it up, and when I went with them, I saw over 500 filthy bikes jam-packed into every corner of a five-story parking garage. It was surreal. They told me my bike’s in the queue for repairs now, and all I can do is wait for a call. No idea how long it’ll take.

Weekly Toby Post

Chiang Mai Faces Historic Flooding: City Brought to a Standstill as Ping River Hits Record Levels

Chiang Mai is currently grappling with one of the worst floods in its history as the Ping River has surged to an unprecedented level. As of today, the water level at the Saphan Nawarat (P1) station has reached a staggering 5.25 meters, surpassing the previous record of 4.95 meters set in September 2011. The river is still rising slowly, increasing by an average of 1 centimeter per hour, although the good news is that this rate is finally beginning to slow.

This flood has brought the city to a near standstill, affecting virtually every aspect of daily life. Delivery services like Grab and Lazada have ceased operations due to road closures, leaving residents unable to order food or essential items. Adding to the difficulty, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has cut off power in large sections of the city (including my condo building) to prevent electrical hazards, plunging many neighborhoods into darkness.

For those trying to leave or enter the city, the situation is no better. Chiang Mai International Airport remains operational, but getting to the airport has become an arduous task. With major roads submerged or blocked off, it’s taking travelers upwards of three hours to reach the terminal, and in many cases, more.

The flooding has exposed critical infrastructure issues. Broken sewage lines and malfunctioning drainage systems are exacerbating the problem, preventing water from draining effectively. The city is caught in a waiting game—whether the water will drain or evaporate first remains to be seen.

As residents navigate this crisis, the resilience of the community is on full display. While the city waits for relief, officials and locals alike are doing everything in their power to mitigate the damage and prevent further catastrophe.

The severity of this flood serves as a reminder of Chiang Mai's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions and the urgent need for long-term solutions to fortify the city against future natural disasters. We’ll see if the government plans to do anything about it before this time next year.

This Guy is My Hero

Chiang Mai’s Record-Breaking Floods: A Community Underwater

Chiang Mai is facing severe flooding once again, with water levels surpassing those recorded just a few days ago. The Ping River is expected to rise to an unprecedented height of over 5 meters, making this potentially the worst flood in the city's history. As the river swells, surrounding neighborhoods and businesses are already grappling with rising waters, with streets submerged and buildings inundated. Sandbags and temporary barriers line the streets, but the efforts are proving insufficient against the sheer volume of water overtaking the city.

In some areas, the floodwaters have reached over 1.5 meters, including my condo building, where standing water has already invaded ground floors, impacting vehicles, living spaces, and common areas. Residents and local businesses are scrambling to salvage their belongings as floodwaters continue to rise, making the situation increasingly dire. With more rain in the forecast, the people of Chiang Mai are bracing for further damage, while local authorities issue warnings and advisories in hopes of minimizing harm in what is set to be one of the most severe natural disasters the city has faced.

Toby Living His Best Life

More from Koh Samui

Exploring Chaweng: Koh Samui’s Vibrant Beachfront Hub

Chaweng is the most famous and lively area on Koh Samui, known for its stunning white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Stretching for nearly seven kilometers along the island's eastern coast, Chaweng offers a mix of natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can relax on the beach by day, enjoying water sports and sunbathing, and then dive into the buzzing nightlife scene, with beachfront bars, nightclubs, and restaurants offering everything from local Thai delicacies to international cuisine. Chaweng's reputation as a top destination makes it ideal for both thrill-seekers and those seeking relaxation.

Beyond the nightlife, Chaweng offers a variety of shopping experiences, from local markets selling handmade crafts to luxury boutiques. The area is also home to several spas, providing opportunities for rejuvenation and wellness. For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, Chaweng is a gateway to nearby attractions like the Big Buddha Temple and the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Koh Samui.

Island Vibes and Missing My Pup: A Koh Samui Adventure

As I walked along Lamai Beach on Koh Samui, I couldn't help but be blown away by the mix of natural beauty and chill island vibes. The coastline here is like nothing I’ve ever seen—massive granite boulders scattered around, creating this almost otherworldly landscape. Of course, I had to check out the famous Grandfather Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) while I was exploring. These quirky rock formations, shaped by centuries of wind and waves, were mesmerizing as I stood there, staring out at the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

The whole area around the Grandfather Rocks really sums up what makes Lamai special. I spent hours just walking the sandy shores, soaking up the sun and enjoying the light sea breeze. I couldn’t resist grabbing a coconut from a local beach shack—exactly what I needed to cool down from the tropical heat. Whether I was climbing over rocky outcrops or just relaxing on the sand, I felt like I was fully embracing this little slice of paradise.

While I'm loving my time on Koh Samui, my French Bulldog, Toby, is off on his own little adventure at a dog hotel back in Chiang Mai. The staff sent me photos of him lounging on their terracotta-tiled patio, and man, his sad little eyes and droopy ears broke my heart. It’s the first time we’ve been apart, and even though I know he’s in great hands, seeing his forlorn expression got to me. His usual lively black and white face seemed to ask, "When are you coming back?" It’s tough being away from my buddy, but knowing he's safe has helped me enjoy this island getaway. Still, I can’t wait to get back to Chiang Mai and reunite with my little guy to catch up on our adventures apart.

Escaping the Chiang Mai Floods: A Hectic Journey by Boat with Toby

Chiang Mai, Thailand, has been hit by significant flooding due to the rising levels of the Ping River. The floodwaters have submerged streets and homes, cutting off many areas. With no power in my condo and the situation set to continue for the next few days, I decided it was time to leave. Thankfully, a friend of mine, Mark and his lady Nam, brought a boat over to help me and my French Bulldog, Toby, escape. After wading through chest-high water, we finally made it to dry land.

Also found a cheeky VHS tape floating in the water.

Once safely out, I booked a hotel to stay for the next two days, while my buddy Mark will be taking care of Toby in the meantime. I’m set to fly out to Koh Samui for a holiday on Saturday morning, assuming the airport stays operational and doesn’t get affected by the floods. It's been a hectic day, but I'm grateful to have gotten through it safely!

Rescue Boat Has Arrived

Monsoon Deluge: Chiang Mai Streets Submerged in Floodwaters

After days of relentless monsoon rains, the Ping River finally breached its banks, inundating large swaths of Chiang Mai. The ancient city's streets transformed into canals as floodwaters submerged low-lying areas, forcing residents to navigate by boat. Historic temples stood as islands amidst the murky deluge, while modern districts saw ground floors swallowed by the rising waters. Local authorities are scrambling to provide aid and shelter to displaced families as the city grapples with its worst flooding in recent memory.

Toby Time!

Spending time with Toby, my French Bulldog, is always an adventure. His playful personality shines through in everything he does, whether he's cuddling up next to me on the couch or exploring the nooks and crannies of the house. Toby has this infectious energy that makes even the smallest moments feel special, like when he excitedly hops up to get my attention, or when he looks at me with those big, curious eyes, ready to pounce on whatever catches his interest. His unique charm comes through in every moment, especially when he’s showing off his playful side, darting around the floor with his signature Frenchie enthusiasm.

One of the best parts about hanging out with Toby is watching him discover the world around him. He loves squeezing into tight spaces or finding little corners to hide in, as if he’s on some great puppy adventure. He’s always curious, always ready to explore, and his antics never fail to make me smile. Whether it's a lazy afternoon lounging together or an impromptu play session on the floor, Toby's presence makes every day brighter. There's just something so comforting about the way he curls up beside me, reminding me that sometimes the best company is a little bundle of fur and energy.

Sunday Funday

Chiang Mai is a feast for the senses, blending culinary richness and serene landscapes. One of the must-try dishes here is Khao Soi, a northern Thai specialty featuring rich coconut curry, crispy noodles, and tender chicken, served with tangy pickled mustard greens and onions on the side. After enjoying a hearty bowl of Khao Soi, a peaceful stroll around Chiang Mai University’s scenic Ang Kaew Reservoir offers a tranquil escape. The reflections of the pyramid-shaped library in the calm waters, framed by lush greenery and blue skies, create a picture-perfect view of the region’s serene beauty.

Life Update

It's been almost a month since I lost my job, and life has taken on a new pace—definitely slower without the weekly product and tech syncs. In this newfound space, I've kept myself busy managing two fantasy football teams, which has turned out to be both a blessing and a curse in equal measure. Between scouring waiver wires and finalizing lineups, I'm also applying for new roles, navigating interviews, and even doing those dreaded tests that seem to accompany every application these days.

Meanwhile, I'm sorting out some home projects. After what felt like an eternity of searching, I finally found a daybed for the second bedroom here in Thailand (no easy feat, I assure you). It's arriving Monday, and I’m eager to do a before-and-after photo reveal—home décor meets personal victory.

And of course, there’s Toby. Training this little guy has been a welcome distraction. He’s got “sit” down like a pro now, although I think he’s aiming for a managerial role in snack acquisition at this point.

In the midst of all this, I’ve booked a 9-day trip to Koh Samui for the first week of October—perfect timing with China’s National Day holiday coming up. A little sun, sea, and escape will be the perfect reset after this whirlwind of changes.

Weekly Toby Pics

Toby’s First Outing

Today marked Toby's first big outing, a milestone we had to wait for until he had all his vaccines and rabies shots. We headed to a local coffee spot, where he got to experience the world outside for the first time. He was full of curiosity, peeking around corners and exploring the new sights and smells with his usual enthusiasm. It was the perfect setting for his debut, and he seemed to enjoy every minute of it, from the new textures under his paws to the fresh air and the occasional sip of water from his travel bowl.