Bangkok: The National Water Resources Office has issued a nationwide alert for Thailand, urging citizens to brace for impending heavy rainfall. This warning comes as Nakhon Phanom province records the highest accumulated rainfall with an astonishing 279 mm.
According to Thai News Agency, the NWRO has provided a comprehensive update on the country's water situation as of August 10, 2026. The maximum rainfall in different regions highlights significant variations, with Nakhon Phanom in the Northeastern region experiencing the heaviest downpour. Other notable figures include Chiang Rai with 96 mm in the Northern region, and Trat with 57 mm in the Eastern region. The Central region's Chainat saw a mere 4 mm, while Kanchanaburi in the Western region recorded 30 mm. Narathiwat in the Southern region received 44 mm of rainfall.
The forecast indicates potential relief from August 12-15, 2026, as rainfall is expected to decrease. However, heavy rain is still predicted in specific areas, particularly in the North, Northeast, Central, East, and the West Coast of Southern Thailand, due to a monsoon trough and a strong southwest monsoon impacting the region.
Current reservoir levels reflect a mixed situation, with an overall water volume at 58% of storage capacity, translating to 46,587 million cubic meters. Usable water volume stands at 40%, or 22,468 million cubic meters. Region-wise, the Western region shows the highest water volume at 67%, while the Central region lags behind at 30%.
In the Chao Phraya River basin, the four main dams present varying capacities. Bhumibol reservoir holds 53%, while Queen Sirikit stands at 58%. Khwae Noi Bamrung Dan and Pa Sak Chonlasit reservoirs are notably lower, at 27% and 19% respectively.
To mitigate the impact of the rainy season, the Marine Department has accelerated dredging efforts in the U-Tapao Canal, Songkhla Province. The current fiscal year 2026 project involves a budget of 1,551,300 baht and aims to remove 45,000 cubic meters of material. Looking ahead, preparations are underway for three projects in fiscal year 2027, focusing on dredging and maintenance of the U-Tapao Canal, R.1 Canal, and R.3 Canal, each allocated a budget of 28,483,300 baht. These initiatives are designed to boost drainage efficiency, minimize shallow areas, and enhance water safety.