Bangkok:The Royal Irrigation Department is taking steps to mitigate flooding by reducing water release from two major dams to decrease the flow into the Chao Phraya River.
According to Thai News Agency, the department is responding to an easing water situation in the Pa Sak River basin by lowering water discharge from the Pasak Chonlasit Dam from 500 cubic meters per second to 450 cubic meters per second. Similarly, the Phra Ram VI Dam has reduced its discharge from 735 to 713 cubic meters per second. These measures are intended to relieve flooding downstream of the Phra Ram VI Dam and reduce water flow into the Chao Phraya River, thereby lessening the impact on Pathum Thani and Bangkok.
As of October 9, 2026, the Pasak Chonlasit Dam holds 888 million cubic meters of water, or 102% of its capacity, with a decreasing trend. This allows for adjusted water releases to match the situation. The adjustments aim to reduce water levels in downstream areas before the water joins the Chao Phraya River and flows through Pathum Thani Province, a critical monitoring point for water entering Bangkok. The current average flow rate at this point is 1,977 cubic meters per second, and the adjustments are expected to ease the water burden in the lower Chao Phraya River, helping those affected by ongoing flooding.
Despite the improvements, there is a need for continued vigilance due to a forecasted increase in rainfall from October 9-11, 2026. The Meteorological Department predicts heavy to very heavy rain in various regions, especially on October 9 in the lower northeastern, eastern, and southern areas, and on October 10-11 in the lower northern, central, Bangkok and surrounding areas, eastern, and southern regions. This could further elevate water levels in major rivers and low-lying areas.
The Royal Irrigation Department remains vigilant, closely monitoring reservoir inflows, upstream and downstream water levels, and rainfall patterns. Water release is being managed to mitigate downstream flooding while preparing for potential increased rainfall, in line with directives from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Residents in low-lying areas along the Pa Sak and Chao Phraya rivers are advised to stay informed through government announcements.