BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Irrigation Department has updated the water situation in the Chao Phraya River Basin, announcing a reduction in water discharge from both the Chao Phraya and Bhumibol Dams to help mitigate flooding risks in central Thailand.
At 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, the water flow at key monitoring stations was as follows:
C.2 Station, Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan: 2,965 m³/s (slightly down from 2,971 m³/s yesterday), with water level at 24.79 m, 0.91 m below the riverbank. The trend is decreasing.
C.13 Chao Phraya Dam, Chai Nat Province: 2,800 m³/s (down from 2,880 m³/s yesterday), water level upstream 17.50 m, downstream 16.49 m, trending lower.
C.29B Sam Khok, Pathum Thani Province: Average flow 2,291 m³/s (slightly up from 2,263 m³/s yesterday).
The Department of Irrigation plans to hold water at the Chao Phraya Dam upstream no higher than 17.70 m while fully supplying irrigation systems on both riverbanks to reduce downstream impacts. If inflows continue to decline, the dam will adjust discharge to match upstream levels.
Deputy Secretary-General of the National Water Resources Office (NWRO), Paitoon Kengkanchang, chaired a meeting yesterday to monitor the situation and plan Bhumibol Dam management. Authorities agreed to reduce water release to lower flows downstream, easing flooding for affected central provinces.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that moderate to strong cold air masses from China are moving across northern Thailand this week, leading to declining rainfall. Consequently, inflows into Bhumibol Dam are expected to decrease.
As a result, starting November 16, Bhumibol Dam discharge will be reduced from 55 million m³/day to 50 million m³/day, and further to 45 million m³/day on November 17. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will adjust releases according to conditions while maintaining appropriate water levels. These measures are expected to lower Ping River levels by 0.1–0.15 m from Sam Ngao (Tak) through Kamphaeng Phet to Banphot Phisai (Nakhon Sawan), and reduce the flow into the Chao Phraya River downstream of the dam.
“Rainfall in central provinces remains light to moderate. Reducing Bhumibol Dam outflow will allow a gradual reduction in Chao Phraya Dam discharge,” said the Royal Irrigation Department. Water is also being diverted into irrigation systems on both sides of the river at full capacity. The department projects that Chao Phraya Dam outflow could reach 2,400–2,700 m³/s between November 20–24, lowering river levels by 0.4–0.75 m and easing long-term flood impacts for downstream communities.
All agencies continue coordinated efforts to provide assistance to residents affected by prolonged flooding along the Chao Phraya River. (TNA)
