Khlong Muak Lek (Thai: คลองมวกเหล็ก, pronounced [kʰlɔ̄ːŋ mûa̯k lèk]) or Huai Muak Lek (ห้วยมวกเหล็ก, [hûa̯j–]) is a watercourse of Thailand. It is a tributary of the Pa Sak River, part of the Chao Phraya River basin.
Despite its name (khlong usually meaning 'canal'), Khlong Muak Lek is a natural river. It originates from Khao Inthani in the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains, in the area of Khao Yai National Park, and flows northwards, forming the boundary between Muak Lek District of Saraburi Province and Pak Chong District of Nakhon Ratchasima, before entering Muak Lek, turning west, and ultimately joining the Pa Sak in Kham Phran Subdistrict of Wang Muang District, just downstream from Pa Sak Jolasid Dam. Its total length is 71 kilometres (44 mi).[1]
The river has several rapids and small waterfalls, which serve as tourist attractions, most significantly the Chet Sao Noi Waterfalls in Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park, which covers forested hills flanking the river.[2] A dam, built from 2012 to 2020, forms the Muak Lek Reservoir, which irrigates the Wang Muang District area.[3]
References
edit- ^ "มวกเหล็ก". Gazetteer of Thailand (in Thai). Royal Society. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ Mekloi, Pongpet (22 March 2021). "Overlooked no longer". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
- ^ "อ่างเก็บน้ำมวกเหล็ก-ฝายซับตะกองสร้างพื้นที่น้ำมั่นคง". Daily News (in Thai). 29 May 2019. Retrieved 16 September 2023.