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Villagers Brave Flash Floods to Forage for Termite Mushrooms in Sukhothai
Residents in Sukhothai province are manually carrying motorcycles across flooded creeks to reach forests for seasonal mushroom foraging.
On September 21, 2026, residents of Taling Chan sub-district in Sukhothai’s Ban Dan Lan Hoi district were observed navigating challenging conditions to reach local forests. With the arrival of the seasonal 'termite mushroom' (hed khon), which can generate daily earnings of 1,000 to 2,000 baht, many villagers are determined to reach their foraging grounds despite recent heavy rainfall.
According to reports from Khaosod Online, flash floods have rendered standard creek crossings impassable. To overcome this, groups of villagers have resorted to manual labor, using bamboo poles to lift their motorcycles and wading through water approximately one meter deep. They utilize makeshift ropes fashioned from palm leaves to stabilize the vehicles against the current, with assistance from individuals positioned on the opposite bank.
For travelers or residents in the area, this highlights the significant impact of seasonal weather on local infrastructure and the lengths to which locals go to secure seasonal income. While this practice demonstrates local ingenuity, it involves significant physical risk due to the strength of the flash floods. It remains to be confirmed how long these hazardous conditions will persist and whether local authorities will implement measures to assist with safer passage or issue formal warnings regarding the use of these flooded routes.