Kanchanaburi experienced a tense situation at midnight when a strong current swept rafts and fish cages, which then lodged against the spillway gates of the Maeklong Dam. The governor rushed to inspect the site and urgently ordered rescue teams to mobilize and remove the debris, assuring that the dam's structure remains robust and safe.
At 11:30 p.m. on 29 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Veera Hirunkul, Senior District Officer of Tha Muang District, was notified that four local villagers' rafts along with 250 fish cages had drifted and lodged in front of the Maeklong Dam.
Later, Ms. Warittha Sanguansermsri, Governor of Kanchanaburi Province, arrived to inspect the site along with Ms. Chonthicha Wongutsah, Tha Muang District Chief, and Tha Muang volunteer officers. They were joined by Police Colonel Pitak Wongpanich, Chief of Tha Muang Police Station, patrol officers, emergency rescue volunteers from Khun Rattanawut Foundation, and irrigation officials from Maeklong Dam, Irrigation Office 14.
They ordered and assisted in the rescue of two large two-story rafts and fish cages that had been swept away by the current, causing the ropes securing them to the riverbank pilings near the pier in front of Wat Nanno, Village 3, Muang Chum Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi, to break loose. The current then carried them to the Maeklong Dam's spillway gates. Dam officials quickly closed three spillway gates and used machinery, cranes, and personnel to tie the rafts to gates 5, 6, and 7 to prevent further drifting.
However, due to the very strong and rapid current, they were only able to secure the rafts and fish cage frames to remain lodged against the spillway gates. To expedite water discharge in front of the gates, the dam opened gates 5, 6, and 7 to continue releasing water while planning to recover and pull the rafts away from the gates the next morning.
Ms. Warittha Sanguansermsri, Governor of Kanchanaburi Province, spoke with the raft owners and involved officials, thanking all personnel who participated in the operation. She ordered all agencies to verify facts and take necessary actions. The two-story rafts and fish cages remain secured, floating in front of the dam's spillway gates, awaiting recovery operations the following morning.
Meanwhile, the Kanchanaburi Provincial Public Relations Office's page reported that officials have secured the rafts and are planning to move them from the incident site to ensure safety. The situation does not affect the Maeklong Dam's water discharge plans.
The province confirmed that the Maeklong Dam's structure remains stable and unaffected by the incident. Water discharge according to the management plan continues normally. Residents downstream are advised not to worry.
The rafts that floated and struck the Maeklong Dam's spillway gates numbered four, along with 250 fish cages. They originated from Village 3, Muang Chum Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi. Both the rafts and cages remain floating and secured.