Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) warns six central provinces and Bangkok to monitor the situation "high tide" during 17–24 May 2026
On 16 May 2026, Mr. Theeraphat Kachamat, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), announced that the Central Disaster Prevention Command (CDPC) has been monitoring water levels. The Hydrographic Department of the Royal Thai Navy issued a notice on the water levels in the Chao Phraya River near the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters at Phra Chulachomklao Fort and surrounding areas for 17 - 24 May 2026 (Announcement No. 6/2569), announced on 14 May 2026, stating that
from 17 to 24 May 2026 between 19:00 and 00:30, high tides are expected, which could cause water levels to overflow riverbanks and increase water levels in rivers and canals by approximately 1.80 - 1.90 meters above mean sea level. This is about 0.10 - 0.20 meters above the critical water level, potentially causing flooding in low-lying riverside and canal-side areas, including communities outside flood barriers and areas without permanent flood protection.
The areas under surveillance for high tides between 17 - 24 May 2026 in central Thailand include Pathum Thani Province (Mueang Pathum Thani and Sam Khok districts), Nonthaburi Province (Mueang Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, and Bang Kruai districts), Nakhon Pathom Province (Bang Len, Nakhon Chai Si, and Sam Phran districts), Samut Sakhon Province (all districts), Samut Songkhram Province (all districts), and Samut Prakan Province (Mueang Samut Prakan, Phra Samut Chedi, Phra Pradaeng, and Bang Bo districts), as well as Bangkok.
The Central Disaster Prevention Command (CDPC), under the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), has coordinated with these six central provinces and Bangkok, along with disaster prevention centers in vulnerable areas, to monitor and prepare for this hazard period. They have stressed close monitoring of water levels and the evolving situation, coordinating with local administrative organizations to warn residents in risk areas in advance. This includes private sector activities along rivers and canals such as embankment construction and riverside restaurants. They have also arranged for disaster response machinery and teams to be ready to respond immediately and assist affected communities.
The public is urged to closely follow official updates, strictly comply with warnings, prepare to move belongings to higher ground, and check that electrical plugs and equipment are above water levels to prevent hazards from electrical leakage. People can follow warnings via the THAI DISASTER ALERT app and report incidents or request assistance through the DDPM's Line account (ID: 1784) or the 24-hour safety hotline 1784 for prompt coordination of aid.