Pathum Thani's Rangsit is facing a critical canal overflow situation. The governor is set to declare a disaster area to unlock urgent budgets for aiding and compensating affected residents.
On 26 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Ekwit Meephian, Governor of Pathum Thani, accompanied by Pol. Lt. Gen. Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, President of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization, Police Lt. Col. Dr. Triluph Thoopkrachang, Mayor of Rangsit City Municipality, and other officials, welcomed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jakrapan Pornnimit, advisor to the Deputy Minister of Interior (Mr. Jes Thai Set), and his delegation during their visit to monitor flood conditions and inspect drainage system readiness in Pathum Thani province.
The team visited the water drainage situation at Red Bridge, Canal 1, Prachathipat Subdistrict, Thanyaburi District, and met with affected residents in the Canal 1 Shrine community to offer support.
At 10:15 a.m., the delegation proceeded to inspect the Chulalongkorn Water Gate and the semi-permanent water gate at the mouth of Rangsit Canal in Ban Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Pathum Thani District, to check and prepare for efficient pumping of water from Rangsit Prayurasak Canal into the Chao Phraya River.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized its concern for Pathum Thani residents and surrounding areas, integrating efforts among all parties including the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization, the Royal Irrigation Department, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to assess the real situation and support local agencies in swiftly diverting water and alleviating residents' hardships.
Police Lt. Col. Dr. Triluph reported to the delegation that the water situation in Rangsit city is critical because Rangsit Prayurasak Canal serves as the main drainage for Khlong Luang, Thanyaburi, and Lam Luk Ka districts. Currently, the canal's water level is equal to ground level, causing pumped water from communities to push back into the area despite all possible blockades being in place.
He added that the top priority now is to rapidly lower the water level in Rangsit Prayurasak Canal to enable effective drainage from communities. Once the canal's water level decreases, the municipality is ready to use pumps to complete drainage within a day. Meanwhile, residents of Rangsit Municipality are advised to move valuables to higher ground and closely monitor the situation.
Additionally, Rangsit Municipality has received pump support from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization, and other agencies. It has also coordinated with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to consider opening the Sai Mai water gate to reduce water volume alongside diverting water eastward into the Bang Pakong River.
Regarding the increased water discharge through the Chao Phraya Dam to 1,900 cubic meters per second, this affects drainage into the Chao Phraya River due to higher external water levels and tidal surges.
However, compared to the 2022 crisis, when Chao Phraya River flow reached 2,200–2,400 cubic meters per second causing flooding across 84 communities, the current situation is less severe. The municipality will coordinate with all agencies to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Governor Ekwit Meephian is preparing to officially declare Pathum Thani province as an emergency disaster assistance area to unlock reserve government funds and urgent central budgets. These funds will be used to aid affected residents and support machinery and equipment for water drainage in full cooperation with local administrative organizations.