Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas visited the Rangsit Canal pumping station alongside Deputy Permanent Secretary Nirat Pongsitthathavorn to inspect preparedness measures against northern floodwaters approaching Bangkok. He emphasized running the pumps at full capacity to reduce the additional burden of heavy rain in the capital.
On 26 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, together with Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Nirat Pongsitthathavorn and relevant agencies, visited the Rangsit Canal pumping station in Ban Mai Subdistrict, Pathum Thani Province. They monitored the water situation and inspected operations to prepare for incoming water from upstream areas and reduce the volume flowing into Bangkok and its metropolitan vicinity.
The Rangsit Canal pumping station is a crucial mechanism for water management in the lower region, especially when facing simultaneous high water volumes from upstream and heavy rainfall in Bangkok and its metropolitan area. Managing water at Rangsit Canal is vital to control and drain water, reducing the amount entering Bangkok to prevent multiple water sources converging and increasing flood risks.
Upon inspection, the pumping system and machinery were found fully operational and ready to run at full capacity. Officials have prepared manpower, machinery, and water management systems to handle any changing conditions promptly.
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti instructed all agencies to utilize the pumping station’s capacity and existing water management systems to their fullest efficiency. He emphasized closely monitoring water volumes from upstream, rainfall amounts, and canal water levels to coordinate pumping and drainage operations in line with the situation.
"Our key objective is to manage upstream water so it does not worsen the heavy rain situation in Bangkok. We must maximize the use of Rangsit Canal and existing pumping systems to capture and manage water before it reaches inner city areas, minimizing risks and impacts on the public," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
These measures align with central region water management policies that require proactive efforts by relevant agencies, including lowering water levels in rivers and tributaries, balancing water distribution through irrigation systems, and preparing pumps, machinery, and personnel for swift operation. The goal is to reduce water flowing through Bangkok and its metropolitan area and minimize impacts on residents.
Later, at 20:30 GMT+7, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas visited the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Flood Prevention Control Center in Din Daeng to closely monitor rainfall and accumulated water levels in Bangkok and its metropolitan vicinity.
BMA Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and BMA executives reported that Bangkok has deployed personnel to monitor rainfall and water levels continuously 24/7 due to ongoing weather vigilance. They have also prepared to assist residents at temporary shelters by providing adequate food and essential supplies for those affected.
Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti affirmed that the government stands ready to support Bangkok in assisting citizens, including funding, personnel, and machinery. Requests can be coordinated directly with the government or the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to ensure swift aid delivery to the public.
