Minister Suriya visits SWOC to monitor the water situation and instruct the Royal Irrigation Department to take proactive steps in preparation for the rainy season and El Niño effects, respectively.
Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, accompanied by Mr. Watcharaphon Khawkhum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and their team, traveled to review the water situation and deliver policy directives for the Royal Irrigation Department's mission. Mr. Suriyaphon Nuchanong, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, along with four deputy directors (Mr. Det Lekwichai, Mr. Thanand Sutthipisan, Mr. Worapot Petchnorachat, and Mr. Songpol Suaysom), as well as other executives, participated in a meeting and briefing on the water situation at the Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department on Samsen Road.
The Royal Irrigation Department has been closely monitoring weather and water conditions during the rainy season to integrate relevant data for analysis and water management planning aligned with current conditions. They have also considered adjusting water discharge plans to appropriate levels consistent with rainfall patterns, strictly following nine measures for the 2026 rainy season approved by the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC). Additionally, they are prepared for flood situations based on the principles of “defining areas, assigning personnel, and allocating resources.” They forecast flood-prone areas, designate responsible officials for affected zones, coordinate with local agencies, and allocate resources such as water pumps, machinery, and tools distributed across all risk areas to ensure timely assistance to the public.
As of 5 June 2026, the current water situation shows that large and medium reservoirs nationwide hold a total volume of 43,093 million cubic meters, which is 56% of their combined capacity. They still have substantial capacity to accommodate additional water. Specifically, the four main reservoirs in the Chao Phraya River basin (Bhumibol Dam, Sirikit Dam, Kwae Noi Bamrung Dan Dam, and Pasak Chonlasit Dam) collectively hold 13,175 million cubic meters, equivalent to 53% of their total capacity, with the ability to receive another 11,696 million cubic meters. Overall, the water situation is favorable and aligns with planned targets.
The Meteorological Department forecasts that Thailand will enter a "weak El Niño" phase starting May 2026, which will develop into a "strong El Niño" continuing until around August 2027. This may cause the rainy season to end earlier than usual, with longer dry spells and overall rainfall potentially below average. The Royal Irrigation Department has instructed irrigation projects nationwide to closely monitor the water situation and manage water resources accordingly, prioritizing the impact on the population and strictly adhering to rainy season response measures.
In this regard, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives emphasized that the Royal Irrigation Department must take proactive actions in both preventing and mitigating the impacts of floods and droughts, alongside managing water resources to support agriculture and sufficient consumption in all areas. He urged accelerating water source development, improving drainage efficiency, removing waterway obstructions, and closely monitoring risk areas to minimize adverse effects on the public as much as possible.