Polpeer, Deputy Minister of Interior, inspected the headwaters of Khao Yai and Lam Takhong Dam, ordering urgent repairs to the Pak Chong pumping station and water treatment plant so that water supply to residents can resume today, following a halt caused by flood impacts.
On 28 September 2026, Mr. Polpeer Suwannachawi, Deputy Minister of Interior, visited Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province to monitor the water situation from Khao Yai National Park. He also inspected water levels and capacity at Lam Takhong Dam and ordered rapid surveys and removal of residences, shops, and resorts encroaching or obstructing waterways. Additionally, he directed urgent restoration of the Pak Chong municipal water system to resume normal service for residents and hospitals within today.
Mr. Krisnathorn Lertsamrong, Pak Chong district chief, reported that approximately 1,900 households have been affected. The area has been declared a disaster zone. Officials are currently surveying all damages to expedite assistance and provide relief according to government regulations.
A representative from Nakhon Ratchasima Irrigation Department reported that before heavy rainfall, Lam Takhong Dam held about 30% of its capacity. Currently, it has risen to around 58%, but can still accommodate much more water. Water release from the dam has been stopped since 22 September to retain water and reduce downstream impacts on residents.
At the dam’s water outlet area, including Kanong Phra and Nong Sarai subdistricts and Pak Chong municipality, water levels from overflowing rivers have been steadily decreasing. Meanwhile, Mittraphap Old Road and Thanarat Road have reopened to normal traffic.
Polpeer also ordered the province to develop plans for dredging canals and drainage systems and to survey residences, shops, resorts, and other structures encroaching or obstructing waterways. Legal action should be taken promptly to prevent repeated flooding and damage in the future.
Regarding the Pak Chong municipal water system, which had to suspend water production over the past two days due to flood damage to the pumping station and treatment plant, Polpeer coordinated with the central Provincial Waterworks Authority to mobilize efforts to repair and restore the system, aiming to resume normal water supply by 28 September 2026.
Restoring the water supply system is critical as it directly affects residents' daily lives, especially two hospitals in Pak Chong district. While the system remains offline, orders were given to deploy mobile water production and distribution vehicles to serve communities and hospital areas 24 hours a day immediately.
For vulnerable groups, including bedridden patients and the elderly, Polpeer coordinated with the regional health inspector and the provincial public health doctor to have health service units collaborate with community leaders to identify those needing assistance. Patients are being relocated to safe areas and essential medications prepared to ensure continuous care.
Khao Yai National Park remains temporarily closed due to damage found at a viewpoint. Relevant agencies are expediting safety inspections and will announce reopening dates once conditions are deemed safe.
Residents in the affected areas confirmed that they received advance warnings through the Cell Broadcast alert system before the flooding occurred.