Nonthaburi: Villagers living downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam are urging authorities to open the floodgates following months of persistent flooding. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, alongside the Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, is actively monitoring the situation in the lower Chao Phraya River region. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, plans to hold a meeting to expedite relief efforts.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nares Thamrongtipyakhun, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, made a public announcement after leading a meeting focused on the ongoing flood crisis. The meeting included Mr. Thanasarn Thamson, Assistant Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Suriyaphon Nuchonong, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, and other relevant officials. They gathered at the 11th Regional Irrigation Office in Bang Talat Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that while flooding in the upper northern region is subsiding, water levels in the lower central region, especially the Chao Phraya basin, remain high and require vigilant monitoring. Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to speed up water management plans and prepare for the restoration of agricultural areas once the floodwaters recede.
Mr. Nares and his team visited the Singhanat 2 Floodgate at the Chao Chet-Bang Yi Hon Water Supply and Maintenance Project in Bang Sai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, to assess the flood situation and discuss water management strategies. The Royal Irrigation Department has been directed to keep a close watch on the developments.
The team also inspected the Bang Ban Canal floodgate in Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, where flooding persists in low-lying areas. Residents expressed frustration over the prolonged flooding, noting that typically, water levels recede after the Loi Krathong festival, but not this year. They have requested that the Royal Irrigation Department open the floodgates to allow floodwater to drain, especially as the Chao Phraya Dam is set to increase water discharge to 2,900 cubic meters per second.
Mr. Nares committed to assigning the Royal Irrigation Department to find ways to lessen the impact and coordinate with local agencies for urgent public assistance. He also distributed 500 relief bags to farmers to help alleviate immediate hardships.
The delegation continued to Wat Amphawan in Narasingh Subdistrict, Pa Mok District, Ang Thong Province, to evaluate the flood situation, which remains critical in some areas. They ordered rapid drainage and preparations for irrigation system restoration post-flood. Additionally, 500 more relief bags were distributed to support the local community.
The Royal Irrigation Department reported that water management upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam is ongoing, with water entering both sides of the dam at full capacity. While the current water flow through the dam’s downstream is 2,800 cubic meters per second, it will be increased to 2,900 cubic meters per second. Concurrently, the Pasak Jolasid Dam has reduced its water discharge to mitigate downstream impacts and expedite water flow into the Gulf of Thailand.
Lt. Col. Thammanat is scheduled to meet with the Royal Irrigation Department to assess the water situation and consider immediate measures to relieve residents in flood-affected areas downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam.