Pol.Pheer denied ordering the closure of Khun Dan Dam in Nakhon Nayok, insisting it was only a discussion about slowing water to help residents. He said that although he lacks formal training in engineering or water management, no one is foolish enough to cause a dam to break.
At 10:00 a.m. on 29 September 2026 at the Government House, Pol.Pheer Suwanchawee, Deputy Minister of Interior, addressed criticism from academics claiming he ordered the closure of water release gates at Khun Dan Prakarn Chon Dam in Nakhon Nayok Province. He explained that on 27 September, during his site visit, he attended a provincial overview meeting with the governor, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, provincial public health office, and others including the Meteorological Department, which relocated its meeting to the dam. After hearing reports, he learned the dam was about 97% full, with inflow from Khao Yai at about 20% of rainfall on 26 September. Upon arrival, he asked the dam director if slowing water release was possible, who confirmed it was. He then inquired about temporarily closing the gates, and was told this was feasible. His intent was simply that if water in residential areas rose about 30 centimeters, slowing dam water release could maintain or reduce the water level. Conversely, releasing more water would raise water levels. That was his sole intention.
"I never said to close the dam permanently or to stop water release until it dried up in residential areas. That was never my intent. As for criticisms, I accept all and take responsibility. Though I lack formal education in engineering or water management, no one is foolish enough to cause a dam to break. If the dam were over 100% capacity and broke, causing floodwaters to harm residents, that would be disastrous. At that moment, with all agencies present, I asked—not ordered—whether slowing or temporarily closing the gates was possible, and they replied yes. I asked how long it could be closed; they said two hours. Before I even reached Bangkok, the gates were reopened. So, no orders were given to close the dam, and common sense tells us that if water pressure is high, the dam could break, causing far greater damage," Pol.Pheer said.
Pol.Pheer emphasized that the visit was merely for discussion and mutual agreement among all agencies on site. However, after he left, some headlines exaggerated it as "Deputy Minister of Interior orders dam closure." He acknowledged the communication might have caused misunderstanding when informing the public. When visiting the site, water levels were already receding and residents were returning home. He thanked the academics who analyzed and indirectly advised him, hoping their students will analyze matters from the residents' perspective.
Flood relief efforts underway at Klong Chan flats with kitchen support for residents.
Pol.Pheer added that this afternoon, he and Worasit Liangprasit, another Deputy Minister of Interior, will visit Klong Chan flats to assess what each building still needs. During yesterday’s visit, water levels were stable without rising or falling. He noted if the water becomes stagnant or polluted today or tomorrow, new problems might arise. Today’s visit aims to explore how to manage water and assist residents. He will also monitor officials’ work, as a war room was set up and the first meeting held yesterday, with additional staff deployed to serve residents.
Regarding some residents still lacking food, Pol.Pheer said he also seeks answers. In provinces, governors must prepare supplies matching affected households. He is unsure how Bangkok manages this, but the Interior Ministry has provided assistance, and kitchens have been set up across locations to prepare about 7,000 meals. Additional support from the Bhumjaithai Party will arrive today. It is essential to clarify who is responsible for aid in each flood area. The highest priority is public health, as residents have been in floodwaters for days, with water starting to smell and mosquito larvae present.
Pol.Pheer revealed plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Public Health to convert the Land Department office area into a temporary medical center at Romklao Housing.
Regarding when water levels will decrease, Pol.Pheer said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated levels should drop within two to three days. They need to find ways to drain water from behind Klong Chan into a swamp area. If the water level there is lower than inside the community, it may allow floodwaters to flow out.