The office had been reported as one of the major structures blocking and diverting the river flow, causing the province to suffer devastating floods for two back-to-back years.

Governor Suwat Tantipat, who chairs the provincial committee to solve the flooding problem, said the Ping River near the police office was at its narrowest point.

Suwat headed a committee at a meeting with Lt-General Panupong Singhara, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, and asked the bureau to move back so that the province could widen the river.

Panupong agreed and also offered to transfer the monument of police bravery and staff quarters elsewhere if needed.

The government has failed to keep the promise it gave to Chiang Mai residents last year that it would prevent further inundation. The call of the people for the relocation of all buildings that obstruct the current was heard again when the Ping overflowed due to heavy downpours and run-off early this month.

Besides the regional police station, six main buildings need to be removed.

Suwat said that tomorrow he and his team would meet the administrators of Rachavej Hospital, Phra Haruathai School, Chairoj Wittaya School, Montfort School and Petch Ngam Hotel as well as the owner of a private house.

If they consent, Suwat will submit the relocation plan and Ping River flood-prevention measures along with a budget request to the government on August 14.