BANGKOK, Thailand – Kanchanaburi authorities are closely monitoring water levels after Vajiralongkorn Dam in Thong Pha Phum district reached about 95% of its storage capacity, while days of heavy rain have caused flash floods and fast-moving water across several roads.
The dam has a capacity of 8.86 billion cubic metres, with 188.56 million cubic metres flowing into the reservoir on September 28. The reservoir held about 95% of capacity, with 426.02 million cubic metres of remaining storage available.
Residents can continue monitoring the water situation through CCTV and information provided by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). At the Thong Pha Phum roundabout, where flash flooding occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on September 27, conditions had begun improving by 4 p.m. on September 28. Vehicles could use one lane after officials deployed an excavator to clear a waterway and accelerate drainage from the road surface.
Large Big Bags were also installed as a barrier to prevent additional floodwater from flowing onto the road. The second lane remains closed for machinery and emergency crews. Drivers are being advised to slow down, exercise caution and follow traffic signals and instructions from officials while water levels continue to be monitored.
Officials and rescue teams remain on standby, including the Thong Pha Phum district administration, Tha Khanun and Thong Pha Phum municipalities, Thong Pha Phum police, the Thai Disaster Relief Volunteer Unit Than 34-00 from Boonwipha Base, the Lad Ya Task Force under the Surasee Forces, the Department of Highways and Kanchanaburi Rescue Foundation’s Thong Pha Phum unit.
Further south, fast-moving floodwater was crossing Highway 323 between kilometres 149 and 150 at Ban Thung Kang Yang in Sai Yok district. Large vehicles could still pass, but smaller vehicles and motorcycles were being advised to take extra care because the current could affect their stability and safety.
Dr Noppadol Sanguanphan, a former deputy chief executive of the Kanchanaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, also posted footage from Ban Kao Bridge, which crosses the Khwae Noi River. Water was overflowing onto the road, prompting a warning for motorists to exercise caution and avoid the route unless necessary because water levels were still rising.
In Sangkhla Buri district, several days of accumulated heavy rain have caused the Songalia River to rise and flow rapidly. Water is now about one metre below the level at which it could overflow onto the Uttamanusorn Bridge, better known as Mon Bridge. More than 400 households living along the river and around the bridge have been moving belongings to higher ground, while some residents have evacuated to stay with relatives in safer areas.
Heavy rain has also damaged sections of Highway 323 between Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhla Buri, with potholes and fallen trees obstructing traffic. Large trucks have been unable to travel into the area normally, while Sangkhla Buri Kindergarten has temporarily suspended classes for two days for student safety.
Residents in vulnerable areas are being advised to closely monitor reservoir levels, inflows and water discharge rates from relevant agencies. Those living along waterways and in low-lying areas should prepare to move belongings to higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities, particularly when travelling on roads affected by flowing water.
