How Mae Cham River Carried Logs to Bangkok

About 100 years ago, the Mae Cham River played a vital role in Northern Thailand’s logging industry. It served as the most convenient natural route to transport logs from the dense forests of the north to the Ping River, and eventually all the way to Bangkok. This waterway was essential at a time when road infrastructure was limited, and river transport offered a practical and efficient solution.

To manage and control the movement of logs, a pond-like holding area was created by building a sturdy wall across a section of the river. This man-made log pond served as a temporary storage site. When the rainy season arrived and the river’s water level rose, the current would become strong enough to carry the logs downstream. The flow of water was harnessed to move massive quantities of wood with minimal manpower or machinery.

This clever use of natural forces highlights the resourcefulness of the local communities and their connection to the environment. While the log pond is no longer in use today, it stands as a quiet reminder of the region’s logging history and how people once worked with the rhythms of nature to sustain their livelihoods.