Bangkok: Thammanat Prompao, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has assured that the water situation in Bangkok and surrounding provinces will return to normal by early January 2026. While acknowledging that these areas will face flooding challenges, he emphasized that the situation will not mirror the catastrophic floods of 2011. Provinces located in front of major dams are expected to experience flooding for a duration of three to four months, prompting the government to increase compensation for those affected.
According to Thai News Agency, Colonel Thammanat Prompao recently convened with provincial irrigation directors and bureau directors to assess the water situation. He noted a decrease in overall rainfall in the upper North and Northeast regions while observing an increase in the southern region. In response, he ordered water management strategies for six southern provinces. He reported that the Bhumibol Dam’s water level in the northern river sections is at its peak, controlled at 45-48 million cubic meters. The Kiew Lom area contributes approximately 6 million cubic meters. Combined, these tributaries deliver about 54 million cubic meters daily at the Chao Phraya Dam. To manage this, both eastern and western dam banks are releasing water into tributaries, maintaining a discharge rate of approximately 2,900 cubic meters per day for a week. By mid-December, the flow is expected to decrease to 1,000 cubic meters per day, eventually normalizing to 700 cubic meters per day by January 2026.
Colonel Thammanat highlighted that residents in the Chao Phraya Dam vicinity, especially in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, will see water drained into the Gulf of Thailand during low sea level periods. Preparations, including water pumps and pushers, are in place to facilitate drainage both in front of and downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam. Other provinces, including Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, and Pathum Thani, may experience impacts, but he reassured that they will not be as severe as the 2011 floods.
Inquiries about potential storms revealed that water management plans are well-prepared, though unpredictable weather patterns pose challenges. Colonel Thammanat noted that the Meteorological Department cannot always provide accurate forecasts, meaning that sudden storms could impact neighboring countries as well. Preparedness remains key, and barring further storms, the government aims to adhere to the established water management plan.
Colonel Thammanat acknowledged the prolonged impact of increased water drainage on areas such as Ayutthaya, Singburi, and Ang Thong. He stated that the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is working on solutions and assistance measures. With the forecasted three to four months of flooding, the government recognizes the need for additional support for the affected regions.