Bangkok: Flooding in the Chao Phraya Basin is expected to ease by mid-December, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Thammanat Prompao anticipates water levels to return to normal during the week of December 2. This follows a reduction in water discharge by the Chao Phraya Dam, with efforts underway to assist affected areas.

According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao disclosed that the Chao Phraya Dam has reduced water discharge to 2,775 cubic meters per second. This adjustment has led to gradual improvements in water management, with expectations for conditions to normalize by the second week of December. The discharge downstream of the dam is projected to remain at 700 cubic meters per second, barring the arrival of new storms. The likelihood of storms impacting northern Thailand is considered low, as the rainy season progresses in the South and the monsoon trough shifts downstream.

A recent meeting at the Royal Irrigation Department, utilizing data from the Smart Water Operations Center (SWOC), assessed the water situation in the main rivers and their tributaries. Executives and relevant agencies found that water levels are steadily decreasing, which is aiding in better management and control of the flooding.

In regions still impacted, particularly Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province and its vicinity, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has directed agencies to urgently assist residents. This includes evacuation efforts, infrastructure maintenance, and compensation for those affected by the flooding.

Lt. Col. Thammanat reiterated the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive relief measures, focusing on agricultural rehabilitation, infrastructure repairs, and livelihood support during the floods. He assured that the government is maintaining vigilant daily monitoring of the situation.