BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai government is closely monitoring rising water volumes from northern Thailand flowing toward the Central Plains, with authorities using risk maps to identify vulnerable areas ahead of the expected peak flood period in September. Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said officials were closely tracking water conditions nationwide, particularly along the Chao Phraya River system. Authorities are coordinating water management from monitoring northern inflows and regulating releases through the Chao Phraya Dam to preparing downstream provinces for possible flooding.
A meeting on August 23 reviewed the Central Plains situation and coordinated water management across the Chao Phraya basin. The meeting was chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, who also heads the subcommittee responsible for flood and drought management in the basin, with Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Pharadon Prisananantakul attending as an adviser.
Officials said the overall situation remains manageable, although September will be the period requiring the closest monitoring. Water releases are expected to remain below about 1,200 cubic metres per second, significantly lower than the approximately 2,700 cubic metres per second recorded at the peak last year. Authorities expect some low-lying areas could experience temporary flooding, but the situation is currently forecast to be less severe than last year. The government is also using a Risk Map developed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), water management agencies and the Meteorological Department to identify vulnerable areas in advance.
The system is designed to shift flood management from responding after disasters occur to assessing risks beforehand. Officials can then pre-position personnel, equipment and assistance in areas most likely to be affected. At the same time, authorities are preparing for drought conditions alongside flood risks. Average rainfall in the Central Plains has fallen by about 20 percent, while rainfall nationwide is down approximately 8 percent.
Officials therefore plan to retain sufficient water supplies for use next year while managing current flood risks. Ratchada said the government would not be complacent despite the situation remaining manageable, stressing that preparations involving data, personnel, equipment and emergency response plans were already in place to protect the public.
