Two ministers, Surasak and Pradorn, led a meeting to prevent and resolve flood and drought issues in the Chao Phraya River basin, ordering strict enforcement of six measures and close monitoring of the Pasak Jolasid Dam due to risks of overflow late in the rainy season, while revising plans to handle La Niña.
23 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul Minister of Tourism and Sports, chaired the Subcommittee on Flood and Drought Prevention and Resolution for the Chao Phraya River Basin, meeting for the first session of 2026, accompanied by Mr. Pradorn Prisana-nantakul Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, serving as advisor to the subcommittee, at the meeting room of the 12th Royal Irrigation Office in Sapphaya District, Chai Nat Province, and via electronic media, to set policy frameworks and closely monitor water conditions in the Chao Phraya basin.
The meeting assessed the overall 2026 water situation as below normal, with the central region receiving 20% less rainfall than average. Meanwhile, major dams such as Bhumibol and Sirikit hold 68% and 73% of capacity respectively, still allowing substantial water storage.
"Short-term risk assessment indicates that Pasak Jolasid Dam faces a high risk of exceeding reservoir capacity at the end of the rainy season, potentially impacting water levels along riverbanks in Saraburi and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces."
Additionally, the meeting discussed strategic goals for 2027 preparedness, as models predict a full La Niña phenomenon likely to cause major floods. To prepare, Mr. Surasak assigned six policy directives for related agencies to accelerate implementation:
1. Use real-time risk assessment technology : Instruct the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the Hydro Informatics Institute (HII), the National Water Resources Office, the Meteorological Department, the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to collaborate on real-time hazard mapping and develop rapid early warning systems.
2. Develop provincial operational checklists : Assign the National Water Resources Office and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to create operational manuals for provincial governors to systematically inspect water barriers and drainage systems.
3. Integrate provincial command centers : Require provincial governors to coordinate military, police, and civilian agencies, with the Ministry of Social Development preparing shelters and prioritizing aid for vulnerable groups.
4. Prepare medical readiness : Mandate health agencies to prepare personnel and medical supplies to provide 24-hour care for the population.
5. Implement proactive agricultural planning : Direct the Royal Irrigation Department and Department of Agricultural Extension to plan dry-season rice cultivation for 2026 to align with available water resources, minimizing impacts on 2027 water use.
6. Simplify and ensure transparency in compensation : Accelerate fair surveying and compensation payments using GISTDA satellite imagery to reduce paperwork and prevent fraud.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pradorn proposed a key strategic shift in water management from a "vertical" approach (releasing floodwater along main river channels) to a "horizontal/forest line" management, systematically diverting floodwaters into irrigation canals and agricultural areas to lessen impacts on riverside communities. He also emphasized that relevant agencies should transparently engage with local residents in advance to ensure understanding. .
