Minister Suriya has ordered the Royal Irrigation Department to urgently implement six measures managing water from upstream areas to the Gulf of Thailand to assist Bangkok in draining floodwaters, while also sending relief supplies to residents and confirming that the Khao Chuk reservoir remains safe.
Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives He revealed that from 25 to 27 September, continuous rainfall in Bangkok and its metropolitan area caused flooding and hardships for many residents. He assigned the Royal Irrigation Department to manage water to reduce risks and mitigate impacts, including controlling water from the upper Chao Phraya basin, accelerating drainage around Bangkok, and pumping water out to the Gulf of Thailand. Coordination with Bangkok's Drainage Department will aid urban water discharge through six key measures as follows.
Control water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam by closely monitoring rainfall, runoff, and upstream water volumes, managing the entire system from headwaters to downstream. Water levels in dams are adjusted based on rainfall conditions in each area, using irrigation systems to receive and distribute water, reducing flow through main rivers into Bangkok and lower areas to minimize impacts on residents as much as possible.
They are closely monitoring rising water levels above the dam and have issued warnings to relevant agencies to prepare and inform residents in risk areas. If increased discharge is necessary, it will be done gradually with prior notice to agencies and downstream communities, prioritizing safety and minimizing impacts both upstream and downstream.
Manage discharge from the Pasak Jolasid Dam appropriately to reduce water flowing into Rama VI Dam and decrease inflow into the Chao Phraya River. Reduce discharge through the Phra Narai water gate into Khlong Rapeepat to lower water entering Bangkok and surrounding areas, increasing canal network capacity to handle rainfall and drain water from the area.
Manage water through Khlong Rapeepat South Branch, Khlong 13, and Khlong Phra Ong Chaiyanuchit to pump and discharge water into the Gulf of Thailand via coastal pumping stations. Additionally, divert excess water sideways via pumping stations along the Chao Phraya River, Nakhon Nayok River, and Bang Pakong River including Pak Khlong Rangsit semi-permanent pumping station, Saowapha Phongsri pumping station, Sombun pumping station, Bang Khanak pumping station, Tha Khai pumping station, Tha Thua pumping station, and Tha Pak Ta Khlong pumping station. This helps reduce water accumulation in canal networks connected to eastern Bangkok and supports continuous water drainage from the area.
Operate the Khlong Lat Pho water gate, developed under royal initiative, to expedite water discharge from the Chao Phraya River to the Gulf of Thailand. Water levels and tidal cycles are monitored to time gate openings appropriately, reducing water accumulation in the lower Chao Phraya and alleviating impacts on riverside areas and Bangkok's drainage system.
Operate coastal canal pumping stations at full capacity to speed up reduction of water accumulation in lower areas and support drainage from canal networks linked with Bangkok and its metropolitan region.
Coordinate with Bangkok's Drainage Department to manage irrigation structures at shared boundaries by controlling water levels inside and outside the areas within appropriate ranges. Accelerate water pumping from Bangkok through Prem Tai Rangsit, Hok Wa Sai Lang, Nong Chok, and Prawet Burirom pumping stations to alleviate flooding and help affected areas return to normal quickly.
“Due to widespread rainfall, especially in Bangkok where flooding has made it difficult for residents to buy food and carry out daily activities, I have ordered all affiliated agencies to provide full assistance, including setting up kitchens and preparing food supplies for affected areas. Priority is given to communities unable to help themselves. Some food distribution has begun, with trucks preparing to deliver supplies to community leaders in Lak Si, Bang Bua, Bang Khen, Khlong Chan, Min Buri, and communities along Khlong Saen Saeb for further distribution by boat to flooded areas. Regarding water management, I have instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to closely coordinate with water resource and disaster prevention agencies to assess which areas can be drained immediately and which require phased drainage, considering impacts on residents and agricultural fields still growing rice, to avoid additional damage from rapid water discharge.” Mr. Suriya said.
Mr. Suriya also stated that after receiving reports about the Khlong Ralok (Khao Chuk) reservoir in Rayong Province, which had concerning points, he instructed the Royal Irrigation Department Director-General and Mr. Sarawut Nuangjamnong, Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to inspect the site early in the morning. Preliminary findings indicate that risk mitigation and protective actions have been promptly implemented, and there is no evidence of a dangerous situation. The Royal Irrigation Department will continue to closely monitor and manage affected points.
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