Bangkok: Chao Phraya Dam and Bhumibol Dam have recently decreased their water discharge rates to manage the ongoing water situation. The National Water Resources Development and Management Office (NWR) has projected that the Chao Phraya Dam’s discharge rate will further decline to 2,400-2,700 cubic meters per second from November 20-24. Concurrently, Bhumibol Dam has reduced its water discharge to 50 million cubic meters per day, with expectations of continued rainfall reduction in the North.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Irrigation Department provided an update on the Chao Phraya River’s water status on November 16, 2015, at 6:00 a.m. The data revealed that Station C.2 in Muang District, Nakhon Sawan Province, recorded a water flow rate of 2,965 cubic meters per second, slightly down from the previous day’s 2,971 cubic meters per second. The water level stood at 24.79 meters, 0.91 meters below the bank, and the trend appeared to be decreasing. At Station C.13, Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province, the water flow was 2,800 cubic meters per second, down from 2,880 cubic meters per second the day before. Meanwhile, Station C.29B in Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province, saw an average water flow rate of 2,291 cubic meters per second, a slight increase from the previous day’s 2,263 cubic meters per second.
The Royal Irrigation Department plans to retain water upstream as necessary, up to 17.70 meters above sea level, and continue directing water into the irrigation system on both banks to their full capacity to minimize downstream effects. Adjustments to the Chao Phraya Dam’s discharge will align with the decreasing water volume from the North.
Mr. Paitoon Kengkarnchang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), chaired a meeting to address water management at Bhumibol Dam. Discussions with relevant agencies focused on reducing water flow into lower areas, expediting flood relief, and mitigating flooding in the central region. The Meteorological Department forecasts that high-pressure air masses from China will lead to reduced rainfall in northern Thailand, with only light rain expected in some areas. This situation is likely to decrease water inflow into Bhumibol Dam.
The decision was made to reduce Bhumibol Dam’s water discharge from 55 million cubic meters per day to 50 million cubic meters on November 16, 2025, and further to 45 million cubic meters on November 17, 2025. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will assess and adjust the discharge based on current conditions, aiming to maintain appropriate dam water levels. This reduction will result in a 0.1-0.15 meter decrease in the Ping River’s level from Sam Ngao District, Tak Province, to Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, and Banphot Phisai District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Additionally, it will reduce the Chao Phraya River’s water volume in front of the dam, facilitating effective water management by the Royal Irrigation Department downstream.
Efforts continue to divert water to the western and eastern irrigation systems at full capacity. It is anticipated that the Chao Phraya Dam’s discharge rate will be reduced to approximately 2,400-2,700 cubic meters per second between November 20-24, resulting in another 0.4-0.75 meter decrease in the Chao Phraya River’s water level. Agencies are actively working to expedite assistance to those affected by prolonged flooding downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam.