BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissananantakul has directed the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) to release water from dams nearing full capacity to prevent overflow and protect downstream areas. He also instructed officials to tighten management of the Chao Phraya Dam and increase coordination among agencies to safeguard communities along the river basin.
During a policy meeting with ONWR executives on October 3, Minister Paradorn urged closer collaboration to address ongoing flooding and restore normal conditions as soon as possible. Although Tropical Storm Bualoi has left the region, flooding persists in many provinces due to accumulated runoff. Sirikit and Bhumibol Dams in the North are currently at 80 to 90 percent of capacity, prompting controlled water releases while rainfall remains low.
Chao Phraya Dam is also receiving heavy inflows from the North, requiring continuous monitoring to prevent flooding in downstream provinces. Paradorn instructed ONWR to work closely with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to accelerate the use of the Cell Broadcast system, ensuring timely public alerts during emergencies.
He reaffirmed that long-term flood mitigation remains a government priority under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s direction. Key projects, such as the Bang Ban–Bang Sai and Pa Sak–Gulf of Thailand diversion canals, are being fast-tracked to enhance water management and mitigate flood risks in the Chao Phraya River Basin.
Addressing public concern over potential flooding in Bangkok, Minister Paradorn said current water levels are well below those recorded during the 2011 floods. Drainage operations have been intensified, and authorities are prepared to assist communities outside flood embankments that may be affected by high tides or runoff. (NNT)
