The Deputy Transport Minister made an urgent visit to Chainat to order the recovery of a raft that broke loose and blocked the new bridge, fearing damage to the structure and obstruction of the waterway. He also monitored the Chao Phraya Dam's water discharge rate of 1,750 cubic meters per second and confirmed government readiness to assist the public in coping with flooding.
24 September 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Phattharaphong Phattharaphasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, made an urgent visit to Chainat province to inspect the incident where a raft broke loose from the area in front of Wat Thammamun Worawihan and floated to block a pier of the new bridge in Mueang Chainat district. He was accompanied by Mr. Phumivat Udomsap, Governor of Chainat province, along with related agencies including the Marine Department, Department of Highways, and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office Region 16, who reported on the situation.
Mr. Phattharaphong revealed that the incident occurred around 00:15 on 24 September after heavy rain and strong winds caused the raft to break loose and drift with the current to block a pier of the new bridge, which is under the responsibility of the Department of Highways (DOH).
After assessing the situation with relevant agencies, they promptly planned to retrieve the raft as soon as possible to prevent obstruction of the waterway, which could reduce water discharge efficiency and to avoid damage to the bridge structure.
Following the inspection of the raft incident, the Deputy Transport Minister proceeded to the Chao Phraya Dam, Royal Irrigation Office Region 12 in Chainat province, to monitor and closely watch the water levels in the Chao Phraya river basin.
Mr. Phattharaphong stated that due to continued rainfall in the upper areas last week, the inflow into the Chao Phraya basin has increased. Currently, the Chao Phraya Dam has adjusted its discharge rate to 1,750 cubic meters per second to match the upstream water conditions and rainfall in the area.
The Royal Irrigation Department manages upstream water by gradually raising water levels to slow the water flow and reduce impacts downstream, alongside fully diverting water into irrigation systems on both sides, emphasizing no adverse effects on local residents.
At the conclusion, Mr. Phattharaphong emphasized that the government, through the Ministry of Transport, is fully prepared to manage flood situations to ensure smooth travel for the public. They are also supporting personnel, equipment, and machinery to assist and alleviate difficulties for those affected by flooding in all areas to the fullest extent possible.
Read more news " Government Policy " here