Bangkok: A Thammasat University academic has expressed confidence that the landslide at the Mae Moh mine will not escalate, even as Tropical Storm Kalmaegi approaches Thailand. The landslide, which involved waste soil from coal extraction, is confined to a specific area and poses no threat to nearby communities or power plants. The academic underscores the need for government intervention to establish regulations and implement engineering solutions to prevent future incidents.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suraphat Kaewsawatwong, a lecturer specializing in soil engineering at Thammasat University, analyzed the landslide incident at the Mae Moh Mine in Lampang Province. He noted that despite Tropical Storm Kalmaegi's expected impact between November 7-9, the risk of further soil slides remains minimal. The landslide occurred due to improperly compacted waste soil from coal extraction, not natural mountain soil.
Dr. Suraphat emphasized the uniqueness of the landslide site, highlighting its limited geographical area and the steepness of the piled soil. These factors, combined with the site's distance from urban areas and the Mae Moh Power Plant, reduce the likelihood of additional damage from the storm. He proposed that thorough surveys, possibly using drones, be conducted to identify other vulnerable locations and assess deforested mountains that may pose future risks.
In the long term, Dr. Suraphat advised expanding landfill areas and improving soil distribution to mitigate landslide risks. He also recommended establishing clear zoning regulations to prevent habitation near potential dumping sites. Despite the presence of a landslide warning system, which successfully initiated evacuations with no casualties, he stressed the importance of regulating soil dumping practices and establishing effective drainage systems to prevent similar incidents.
Dr. Suraphat explained that proper soil compaction according to engineering principles requires calculating the soil's weight-bearing capacity and water volume, followed by thorough compaction. An efficient drainage system is also essential to manage rainwater and maintain soil stability.