Bangkok: The Royal Thai Navy’s water-pushing boats are effectively accelerating water drainage efforts, significantly increasing the speed by over 30%.

According to Thai News Agency, a Royal Thai Navy spokesman confirmed that this operation directs water out to sea, thereby not impacting the flooding situation in the southern regions.

Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaiphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, noted that the vessels are actively working to push water from the Chao Phraya River through the Phra Ong Chao Chaiyanuchit Canal, ensuring that water flow from the North to the South remains unaffected, mitigating potential flooding risks. In response to a request for assistance, Nakhon Pathom Province has sent a survey team to assess the situation and determine the feasibility of deploying water-pushing vessels along its coast, a first for this region. The Navy is currently awaiting survey results to decide on further action.

In regions such as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Rear Admiral Parat mentioned that while the Royal Thai Navy is expediting drainage efforts, the impact is challenging to evaluate due to ongoing water accumulation in the northern areas. This accumulation affects water levels in central regions like Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Ang Thong Provinces. However, the installation of water-pushing boats in specific areas, such as Paeng Phitthayaphum School in Chachoengsao Province, has improved drainage rates by 20 to 30 percent.

On the topic of deploying additional vessels, Rear Admiral Parat stated that the Royal Thai Navy currently possesses 84 water-pushing boats, with six stationed in Chachoengsao Province. The remaining 78 vessels include 10 earmarked for deployment, with plans to send more to Nakhon Pathom Province following survey assessments. This strategy aims to expedite drainage from the North to the sea as efficiently as possible.