BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chandraruangthong has hosted a press briefing outlining the government’s ongoing response to widespread flooding caused by Tropical Storm Wipha. The storm brought days of heavy rain from July 22 to 24, affecting provinces across northern, upper northeastern, and western central Thailand. Nan, Chiang Rai, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, and Uttaradit were among the hardest hit, with flash floods and landslides impacting hundreds of thousands. Though the storm has weakened, continued rainfall has prolonged the crisis.
Prasert explained that flood response planning began well before the storm season. The Office of National Water Resources developed a strategy approved by the Cabinet in February, enabling coordination among agencies, including the Royal Irrigation Department, the Water Resources Department, the Thai Meteorological Department, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, and local governments. The approach includes forecasting, infrastructure readiness, equipment deployment, and real-time public updates.
To manage high-risk zones, four temporary water management centers were activated. Rayong is handling the East Coast and Bang Pakong Basin; Chiang Rai is overseeing the Upper Mekong and monitoring dams in Myanmar; Nong Khai is coordinating with Laos to manage cross-border flows; and Sukhothai is regulating runoff from the Yom and Nan Rivers into the Chao Phraya Basin using controlled dam releases and the Bang Rakam water retention area.
Flooding has affected various regions. In Chiang Rai, over 16,000 households were impacted across eight districts, with Mae Sai still under close watch. In Tak, the Moei River overflowed in Mae Sot. Nan Province reported 569 mm of rain in Song Khwae District alone, flooding all 12 districts and affecting more than 29,000 households. Water levels are now receding, with controlled releases from Sirikit Dam supporting drainage.
Phrae and Sukhothai also reported continued flooding from upstream flows. Nearly 5,000 households in Phrae and over 1,300 in Sukhothai were affected. While water levels are declining, low-lying areas remain flooded. Authorities expect recovery by the end of July, with full-scale pumping, sluice gate operations, and reservoir coordination underway to ease pressure on the Chao Phraya system ahead of August rains.
Prasert confirmed that 51 emergency alerts have been issued across 13 provinces, with field teams distributing relief supplies, operating mobile kitchens, and reinforcing flood barriers. Real-time updates and help remain available through various government agencies and online channels. (NNT)
