Travel like the wind :Suchart Choolee
A murky torrent of water surges from above the sluice gates of the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat province. The immense power of the current creates waves that crash below, causing the small fishing boats to sway precariously. Yet, amidst this daunting display of nature’s force, the fishermen remain serenely calm. They are neither startled nor afraid; this is a way of life they have grown accustomed to, a daily routine. But for a passing traveler like myself, the fierce current can easily stir a sense of apprehension.
Earlier, I had climbed to the viewpoint atop the hill at War Thammamun Worawihan to gaze upon the Chao Phraya River from above. The sight below was a magnificent, sweeping curve of the river as it majestically carved its way through the land. On both banks, verdant green rice paddies, with grains beginning to form, stretched out, interspersed with homes nestled close to the river. It was a beautiful reflection of how humanity has learned to depend on nature. The Chao Phraya River is not merely a scenic vista; it is the great lifeline that sustains life, providing water for consumption, daily use, and agriculture.
However, the relationship between humanity and nature here is more complex than it first appears. The Chao Phraya Dam is not a natural formation; it was built out of historical necessity. During the era when Thailand had to urgently rebuild its economy and pay World War II reparations, constructing a dam to divert water into the irrigation system was crucial for increasing agricultural output, especially rice for export.
Amidst the hardships faced by the people after the war and the effort to rebuild the nation to be stronger than before, the Chao Phraya Dam became more than just a structure; it stands as a monument to the struggle and forward-looking vision of that era.
In the real world, everything has two sides. War creates winners and losers; development is no different. The Chao Phraya Dam fulfills its duty of storing and distributing water for consumption and for the nation’s agricultural foundation. At the same time, however, the original landscape and ecosystem were irrevocably altered.
Humans learn to survive by adapting. This is mirrored in the image of the fishermen, who remain tranquil aboard their boats, rocking with the force of the water flowing from the gates. They patiently hold their fishing rods, waiting for a bite. They are a living embodiment of coexisting with this change.
In the many places I have journeyed, the “wind of travel” has always led me to such impressive sights and complex truths. The Chao Phraya River at Chainat has taught me a lesson: every change comes at a price, but life must go on, through adaptation and learning to live in the present.
References (Sources and Related Articles)
- History of the Chao Phraya Dam: Royal Irrigation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. (Information regarding the construction, objectives, and benefits of the dam).
- Article: “Chao Phraya Dam, the First Dam in Thailand”: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) website.
- Thai Economic History After World War II: Academic books and documents on economic history. Further research can be conducted in university libraries or online databases.
- Wat Thammarun Worawihan: National Cultural Information Center, Ministry of Culture.
Tourism Agencies
- Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Lopburi Office (Responsible for Lopburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, and Chainat provinces).
- Chainat Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports.
- Chainat Provincial Public Relations Office.
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