Bangkok: The Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department has issued a critical alert regarding the water situation in the Chao Phraya River basin, affecting 11 provinces. The department plans to increase the water discharge downstream from the Chao Phraya Dam to 700-1,000 cubic meters per second, a rise from the previous rate of 500-700 cubic meters per second.

According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General, Mr. Witthaya Kaewmee, emphasized the importance of this adjustment, driven by predictions of increased water flow into the Chao Phraya River basin. Irrigation offices across the nation have been instructed to implement measures including monitoring, warning, and assistance to reduce potential impacts on the public and farmers as rainfall is expected to increase by late August.

The Royal Irrigation Department projects that by August 28, the water flow at station C.2 in Nakhon Sawan province will reach approximately 1,000-1,100 cubic meters per second, supplemented by an additional 60-100 cubic meters per second from tributaries. This is expected to result in an upstream water volume at the Chao Phraya Dam of about 1,100-1,200 cubic meters per second.

To manage this situation, the department will direct water into the western and eastern irrigation systems in suitable amounts, aiming to distribute water effectively and control the discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam. This strategy is intended to minimize the downstream impact on affected areas.

The warning extends to 11 provinces: Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok. Residents, businesses along the river, and those involved in riverbank protection projects are urged to stay vigilant and monitor the situation closely.

Mr. Witthaya reiterated that while advance warnings have been issued to facilitate preparation, water management strategies, including discharge adjustments, will be based on real-time rainfall and water flow data, with a primary focus on minimizing public impact.