Bangkok: The Secretary-General of the Office of the National Water Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONWR) confirmed that this year’s water situation is not as severe as in 2011, but caution is needed as areas outside the embankments may be affected. Meanwhile, Phradon is preparing to inspect water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam on October 10.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), stated that regarding the water situation in Bangkok, residents outside the embankments will be affected by the release of water from the Chao Phraya Dam and high sea levels. This includes nearby provinces, such as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. On Friday, October 10, Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, will visit the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province to inspect the water situation, with whom he will be accompanying. The Royal Irrigation Department will reduce water releases to a certain level, and he believes the situation will gradually improve.

Regarding the prediction of five more storms, will the water level be comparable to 2011? Mr. Danucha stated that the rainfall is not the same. This year’s rainfall is quite different from 2011. In 2011, the rainfall was 20 percent higher than normal, but this year it is 9 percent higher. The water flow through the Chao Phraya Dam in 2011 was approximately 4,000 cubic meters per second, but this year it is 2,400 cubic meters per second. Therefore, Bangkok residents can be confident in the situation. However, people living outside the embankments must prepare and be cautious, as they are regularly affected.

Regarding the extent of the impact of rising sea levels, Mr. Danucha stated that rising sea levels will slow down water drainage, and that solutions must be addressed systematically. The Sirikit and Bhumibol Dams can control water levels, but the Yom River remains uncontrolled and large dams cannot yet be built. He added that the methodology will depend on the situation. He acknowledged that this phenomenon occurs annually and is likely to become more frequent due to global warming. Therefore, large-scale project construction must be systematic.