Bangkok: The Royal Irrigation Department has announced an increase in the water discharge rate from the Chao Phraya Dam to 2,300 cubic meters per second. This adjustment comes in response to Tropical Storm Bualoi, which has brought significant rainfall to the region. The Rama VI Dam is also discharging water above the critical “red flag” threshold to manage the increased water flow.

According to Thai News Agency, the decision to adjust the water discharge was influenced by the effects of Tropical Storm Bualoi, coupled with a strong monsoon trough affecting the lower northern, upper central, and northeastern regions of Thailand. Additionally, the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand has strengthened, contributing to the increased water flow. As a result, the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province has been discharging water at a rate of 2,300 cubic meters per second to accommodate the continuous inflow and rainfall.

Efforts to manage water levels downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam include retaining water upstream and diverting it into the irrigation system on both sides to the maximum capacity of the canals. This strategy aims to minimize the impact on areas outside the flood barrier downstream, including Khlong Phong Pheng in Ang Thong Province, Khlong Bang Ban in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and Wat Sing in Sing Buri Province, among others.

While the discharge rate at the Rama VI Dam has been slightly reduced to 576 cubic meters per second from 590 cubic meters per second, it remains above the critical threshold of 550 cubic meters per second. This decision is necessary to manage the water inflow from the Pasak Jolasid Dam, which is currently at 76% capacity and discharging at 600 cubic meters per second.

The affected areas include the Wat Satue community and the market and Tha Ruea subdistrict municipality in Tha Ruea district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The Royal Irrigation Department plans to release water into the Raphiphat canal to maintain appropriate water levels above the Rama VI Dam, thereby reducing downstream impacts as much as possible.